You Are Mine (Mine #1)(44)

“Ahem.” Phyllis.

He leans away, though still only inches from me. “Why are you interrupting?”

My face feels flushed. I try to slow my breathing.

“Sorry, Chancellor. I was told I was needed in here.”

He turns on her, face tight. “You are, but not now. Didn't you get my message?”

“What message?”

“My family also gifted Serena a servant. She'll need to be shown your duties when she gets here.”

“My duties, Master? Not hers?”

A grumble sounds from him, vibrating his chest. “No. You'll be working in the kitchen. We're grateful for you services so far, but with this new servant, you're needed elsewhere.”

“I see.”

“Then leave. I'm busy right now.”

My face grows hotter. He presses his lips back on mine. It's much different than when Thomas kissed me. Softer. Slower. Comfortable. Nicer than I thought kissing could be. I don't even mind it. In fact, I think I like it.

Suddenly, he pulls away and sets me back on the couch. Why did he stop? I realize Phyllis is no longer in the room. When did she leave? My face heats. I put a hand to my tingling lips. The fabric of my glove may be soft against them, but feels coarse after his touch.

He clears his throat. “Thank you for your help with that.”

“Certainly.” Just doing my duty as your possession. Though it felt like more. More what, I can't be sure of.

His lips press together. It's silent a moment before he shakes his head and says, “There's one other thing I wanted to discuss. It's customary for council members to hold a ball the day before they get married.”

The council? Why do they even care? “It is?”

“Looks like it. Council members are usually married before they're on the council, so it's not done often, but I've been told we'll need to hold one. Would you be willing to arrange this? I can give input where needed and Waverly's good at that sort of thing. You could ask for help from anyone else you want.”

Exactly the sort of thing I hoped never happened. Not like I can refuse. Or maybe I can, he is asking, and he let me pick my dress and go shopping on my own. It could be possible to say no.

I smooth the gown of my charcoal skirt. Perhaps Katherine could make a ball gown for me. I could wear it and tell those who are interested in it who made it. It could aid her, if they like it. But in doing so, I'd create another dress she wouldn't get paid for.

“Will you plan it?” His voice pulls me from my musing.

“Yes, Chancellor Zade.”

He brushes the seat of the sofa. “One thing. As part of this type of ball, there's a sacrifice. That will be mine to take care of. If anyone wants to know about it, send them to me. Okay?”

A chill runs through me. I nod.

“Good. Everyone on the council should be invited and those of rank. You probably know better than me.” He waves his hand. I duck, but no spell comes. “Maybe not. I'll get you a list.”

It sounds daunting. “I'm not very well versed in things like that. Cynthia's good at it. Bethany's better.”

“The third oldest?”

“Yes. She loves things like that. She wanted to go to the tournament, but wasn't allowed.” I didn't need to say quite so much, but he doesn't look upset.

“I'll ask your Father if she can help.”

My load feels lighter already. “That would be fantastic. I'd love it if she could stay with us.” Avoid whatever punishments she's been taking in my absence. Hopefully very little.

“I can't guarantee anything, but I'll try.”

“Thank you, Chancellor Zade.”

“We'll consider it repayment of the favor you just did for me.” The vague reference to the kiss makes my face heat again. There's no reason for me to act this way about my duty. He stands. “And you can call me Zade.”

That's absurd. Why does he keep bringing it up? “I believe it would be improper.”

“Improper? We're getting married.”

I rise. “Mother always calls Father Master, Councilman Stephen, or Father.”

He shakes his head and rubs his shoulder. “I have to be Chancellor Zade everywhere else. I'd like one place I don't have to be. Please just call me Zade.”

A barbarian does own me. “If you insist.”

“I do.” He moves behind his desk. “Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Of course.”

“Nice dress, by the way.”

I trip over the rug. “Thank you.”

He likes the outfit. Called it a dress, but that's probably a good thing. He didn't notice that it was too different. Katherine is wonderful.

As I head back to my room, there's a lot to think on. Much more happened in that room than I expected. A new servant. No matter what he says, I doubt I can trust the new servant. A ball to plan. I don't know how I'll ever manage. Hopefully, Chancellor Zade is able to convince Father to let Bethany come.

And the Chancellor. His attention was much different than I thought it ever could be. Though I continue thinking about all that happened and all that I need to do, the memory of his kiss lingers.





Chapter Eighteen