Fencer by Viola Grace Read Free Book Online

no couples attending this event?”
    “Of course not. This is the annual singles event. If you can’t meet your mate here, you are not trying. Watch Kebril, he will have his pick of eager women.” Agheda was completely oblivious to the torture she was inflicting on Meena.
    Meena steeled herself and walked with her companion through the detailed and intricate gates into the mansion itself. The receiving line was in place, and Agheda escorted her to it. “We may get separated, but seek me out before dawn or if you are leaving with someone. Have fun!” Her companion surged into the crowd slowly forming into a line, leaving Meena to ease her way into the mass of bodies.
    She met four charming men wearing their own masks and body-hugging formal wear. Her smile was polite, and as she met the Nyal governor and she dodged his hands, she realized she was in for an exhausting evening.
    Nineteen nobles and members of high families were in the line. The women admired her gold lacework, and the men admired everything else.
    Her face was hot under the makeup, and the moment she looked up to see Kebril, she almost bawled and crawled into his arms. Instead, she curtsied and extended a hand to him.
    He was wearing black and gold, making them a disturbingly matched pair in this sea of colour and flesh. “Meena Colou, you are looking spectacular this evening.”
    She inclined her head, weary of the whole thing. “Prince Kebril, as stunning as always. May you find what you seek.”
    It was the traditional comment for the event.
    May you find what you seek. It cut both ways. She had found what she sought, she just didn’t know how to get it.
     
    Drinking was a very bad idea. There were bodies writhing on every flat surface, and while she could see Kebril surrounded by women eager to tackle him to a couch, Meena was just standing and trying to find her resolve.
    “Mistress, may I have this dance?” The voice was oily and terribly familiar. She turned slowly to see Lord Makadan of the Yinshin wearing a minute leather vest and a tiny loincloth made of the same.
    “I am not dancing.” She turned to walk away, and he gripped her arm.
    “You are not being particularly welcoming, Meena, after all I have done to secure your affections…”
    Meena twisted and broke his grip with a sharp move born of practice with Kebril. “I am not for you, Makadan. Go find someone willing.”
    “Oh, I think you will be willing. I just need to find the appropriate leverage.” He grinned, exposing shark-like teeth.
    Shivering, she stalked away, seeking the comfort that Kebril could offer. She cut through his crowd of admirers and slipped her hand in his.
    His shocked expression turned to pleasure in an instant. “Good evening, Prince Kebril. Have you found what you were seeking?”
    He blinked. “I don’t know. Have I?” She snaked her free hand behind his neck and pulled his face down to hers. Her kiss lacked his subtlety, but it left him in no doubt as to her claim on him. The women surrounding him made small noises of disappointment.
    “I see you have made a new friend, Meena. Well done.”
    Kebril broke the kiss and scowled at the newcomer. “I have not met you, sir.”
    “I missed the receiving line, I am afraid. Lord Makadan, the new Yinshin Ambassador to Yacaro. You are Prince Kebril of the Genarans.” A peculiar anger flashed in Kebril’s eyes, but Meena dropped his hand as the two men greeted each other with a forearm grip.
    “It makes sense that little Meena would find a male known for his fencing ability. Apparently, after me, she developed a taste for it.” Meena stifled a gasp. The implication was that she and the loathsome male had been lovers.
    Kebril inclined his head. “She has most peculiar tastes, so I am unsurprised.”
    “Well, Prince, I hate to ruin your burgeoning relationship, but the Nyal government has given her to me. It is just a matter of filing the correct documents.” He reached out to stroke her arm, but she