chest of jewels. “Here, sweetling,” she said, handing him a ruby ring set in gold. “Take this to Jewelers Row and make sure you get a good price. Find travelers’ lodgings and sleep the day away—I want you fresh tonight. Be careful when you return—my guards will kill you if they find you in my gardens.” She flashed him a smile. “Eat nourishing food as well, my love—goat’s milk and almonds feed sexual fire.”

Shy as a village bridegroom, he drew her to him, kissing her with exquisite surprise. It took great effort to push him away. “You must leave now.”

His eyes were troubled again as he slipped into his orange robe.

“What worries you?” she murmured, caressing his thin arm.

He shook his head bravely, but his expression wa...

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