Free WindDeceiver by Charlotte Boyett-Compo Page B

Grace,” she said in a throaty voice, dipping him a perfect curtsy. “It is my pleasure to welcome you to my home.”
    Sajin smiled. “And my pleasure to visit you,” he answered her, going to her and taking her hand in his. He brought it to his lips. “It is always a pleasure to be in the company of so lovely a lady.”
    Her laugh was rich and teasing. “Your reputation proceeds you, Prince Sajin,” she admonished. “Flattery will not lower my prices, but it well might get you other things you desire.”
    Ben-Alkazar clapped his free hand over his heart. “You wound me, Lady,” he protested. “I speak the truth.” He squeezed her hand. “You are lovely.”
    Sabrina shook her head. “I have been warned about you.” She withdrew her hand and swept it toward the settee. “Please,” she bid him take a seat, then sat down in a large wing back chair facing him.
    Sajin glanced at Yuri and then seated himself. He smiled at her, not knowing how to begin.
    He was relieved when Azalon opened the conversation.
    “We have come to inquire of your new little ones. His Grace wishes to find children suitable for playmates for his brother’s youngest.”
    Sabrina turned her gaze to Sajin. “Really?” At his nod, she cocked a brow. “I have been told you do not approve of slavery, Your Grace.”
    Sajin tensed. “Normally I do not, but I am here for my brother, Jashir.”
    “I am amazed he would send you, Your Grace, for such an errand.” She swung her attention to Azalon. “Your servant could have done this.”
    Azalon opened his mouth to speak, but Sajin interrupted.
    “Jashir is not all that happy with me at the moment,” Sajin explained with a sneer in his voice. “The man never grows tired of trying to match me with one of the sisters or nieces or cousins or--“ He flung out his hand angrily. “--.one of a dozen more relations of his wives.” He sighed. “I have no desire to wed and I grow weary of his efforts.”
    “His Grace turned down a most worthy betrothal just recently and Prince Jashir was not pleased,” Azalon improvised.
    “Worthy my ass,” Sajin mumbled. “The woman was a sow.”
    “But a rich sow, Your Grace,” Yuri joined in, gaining frowns from both Sajin and Azalon.
    Yuri lifted his chin. “I thought she was pretty.”
    Sajin’s eyes twinkled. “You would!”
    WINDDECEIVER Charlotte Boyett-Compo 41
    Sabrina looked from the tall warrior to the handsome Kensetti and lowered her head, smiling. She knew play acting when she heard it. “So,” she said, her voice tight to keep from laughing, “Prince Jashir sent you on an errand he knew you would find distasteful.”
    “Exactly!” Sajin quickly agreed.
    The dark woman slowly lifted her gaze and looked at him. “I am told you wish to see how our farm works. May I ask why?”
    “I--“ Sajin looked to Azalon for help.
    “”Prurient curiosity that ill befits him,” Azalon jeered. He grinned crookedly at the lady when she turned her fathomless scrutiny to him. “I have been with the Ben-Alkazar family for as long as I have drawn breath. If you know anything of His Grace’s reputation, you know the burdens I have endured over the years.” He turned a hard glare at Sajin. “The man is somewhat of a voyeur.”
    Yuri watched the Kensetti’s mouth drop open and his face turn brick red.
    “That is not true!” Sajin hissed.
    “Then why do you wish to see how my farm operates?” Sabrina asked.
    “I…i’s because I--“ Sajin’s face turned redder still. He swallowed hard. “I just do!”
    Azalon shook his head sadly. “See, my lady? He can not justify such a dark need, but who knows the ways of royalty?”
    Sajin snapped his mouth shut with an audible click and squinted at Azalon, silently warning the man he’d gone too far.
    “I see no reason why you can not watch one of the sessions,” Sabrina told him. “I have several women in heat at the moment.”
    Yuri’s face also turned a dull red at the matter-of-fact words. He