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gave him headaches. He wasn t fond of wearing his hair long, but he knew how much I loved it
and kept it to humor me. I felt a bit guilty for that, but it was so beautiful when it flowed down
his back like a fiery wave.
There was a knock on the door, and Carlotta entered, followed by several young people
carrying trays laden with food. They set up a feast in the adjoining room that was set aside for
eating.
Please bring everyone in for dinner. I d be glad for their company.
Carlotta shook her head. As soon as the servers left, she spoke.
They ll come in shifts. I have pairs patrolling outside the building as well as in our wing.
She snagged a morsel of some sort and nibbled at the pastry edges. Besides, your time will be
tied up tonight. She looked serious. There have been about a half dozen Astrum who ve
submitted requests for a private audience. I expect more to come over the next few days.
Expatriates? I asked.
If that s what you wish to call them. Her smile told me she knew they weren t simply
common citizens of Neo Domus coming to meet their king; these were spies coming in to report
and receive their instructions.
An Uncommon Whore 2: When I Fall 95
Helios took a deep breath and let it out. He suddenly seemed energized. I was hoping
they d start checking in. He smiled, though a bit of weariness still lingered about his eyes. I
can spare my time for our people even if they no longer live among us.
I sat for a moment, staring. They aren t just expats, are they?
He shook his head.
Temple spies?
He looked at me; his cool gray eyes were intense. Some. I was hoping to connect with our
lost ones. Spies and civilians alike. He rose, filled a plate, and then sat down on a chair. He
looked at his food and then set it aside. Have any Talisians contacted you?
Carlotta shook her head. Not yet, but they will. She looked over at me. Griffin, there is
an underground system that rose when the Landaun displaced my people. While fewer and fewer
survive to flee the planet, there s been a network established that our people communicate
through. She paced the room, then finally turned to us. Helios, I d like to put word out on this
network that my people can come home. To us& to Neo Domus.
I wanted to protest, but I didn t. These people were an unknown factor, and offering them a
blanket welcome made me uneasy, but I already knew where Helios stood on the matter.
Of course. Today I told the coalition that Neo Domus is home to all those who fled Arash.
Those words are truth, Carlotta. It s time for everyone to come home if that is their wish.
She nodded, appearing relieved. Also, with your permission, General, I d like to take
some personal time.
I lifted a brow at her sudden formality. General? When she flushed lightly, I grinned.
He or she? Helios asked, suddenly looking impish.
She gave him a smile. You ll see soon enough.
Helios looked at me. Valoran, perhaps? She s being very sly about this. He cocked his
head slightly. But then, she has shown interest in men in pairs& Somian twins, Carlotta?
And then it all made sense. Somian twins who happen to be ambassadors. Leighe and
Ghlen? I couldn t help chuckling at the idea.
96 Belinda McBride
She suddenly relaxed and dropped into a plush chair. As she did so, Helios took his plate
and began to pick at the food, reminding me that I was ravenous. I reached over and helped
myself from his plate. His smile was sunny as I shared his food. It seemed to trigger his appetite.
Carlotta stretched out her long, shapely legs, and I was reminded that she wasn t only my
right hand; she was also a beauty. Her long black hair was liberally streaked with white, and her
dark eyes slanted upward, giving her an exotic appearance. Her red lips were full and sensuous,
and though she rarely wore makeup, she was stunning to look at. She reached up, unpinned her
hair from the bun she kept it in, and shook it out while she massaged her scalp with her
fingertips. It wasn t as long as Helios s hair, but it was impressive.
Does yours get heavy after you wear it up all day?
She nodded. Usually it s not too bad, but this was a long day. She folded her arms, rested
her head back, and smiled, letting her eyes fall closed.
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