Terran Times 02 - Deal with a Dhemon (29 page)

Viola Grace

s she glided into the room she received a Asurprise. Not only was Kassil there, but so was another male. He stood gracefully and gave her a bow, his eyes taking her measure from the floor up as he straightened. Kassil had also risen to his feet and was scowling at the other male. He walked forward to greet her and took her hand to raise it to his lips.

“Miss Samantha, I trust that you weathered your journey well? You certainly look well.” His eyes held heat and knowledge, and this time it was the other male who scowled at him.

“Yes, thank you General Kassil. It was a pleasant enough trip. I have heard that you have planned your retirement. You did not mention it on the journey.” She couldn’t keep the reproach out of her tone. She regrouped and pasted a pleasant expression on her face.

“Miss Samantha, I don’t believe that you have met Lord Brodin. He is Kassil’s cousin, and a 68

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major landowner in this area.” Safra quickly interjected before Kassil could continue.

“Please to meet you, Lord Brodin.” She executed a curtsy, dipping low then rising, realizing only then that Kassil still had possession of her hand. She delicately slid her hand free and moved over to sit next to Shalin.

“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Samantha.” His skin was the same shade and texture as Kassil’s, but his eyes were an ice blue. Those eyes seemed to be looking beneath her clothing, and enjoying what they found.

“Uncle Kassil says that when he met you, you were stuck in a tank of water.” Shalin scrunched up her shoulders with enjoyment of the story. She seemed delighted to be in a room full of adults, and Sam was intensely grateful that Safra and Valnal had let her come. She made excellent camouflage.

“Well, it wasn’t water, but it was a liquid. I bet I looked kinda funny.” She smiled at the little girl and pantomimed holding her breath. Shalin giggled and snuggled against her, and Sam put her arm around the tiny shoulders.

“Why were you in the tank, Sam?” Safra looked curious, and Samantha smiled, they had decided to forgo the formality of title sometime that afternoon.

“I had been injured at work. It was to help me 69

Viola Grace

get better.” She glanced down at Shalin, then met Safra’s gaze and promised with her eyes to fill her in later.