Free Heart Thief by Robin D. Owens Page A

threshold. He looked stolid, but a flushed face accented his straw-colored hair and pale green eyes. Ailim felt sure he’d heard Cona’s insult.
    He gazed cautiously around, then squaring his blocklike shoulders, he strode into the room and bowed neatly. “GrandLady D’SilverFir, allow me to present myself. I’m Donax Reed. My FatherSire said my skills and Flair might be useful to you.”
    Very prettily said by a not very pretty man. Donax was more attractive than Ailim remembered. He was fitter, with no bulge around his middle. Yet he’d never be as appealing or tempting to her as the banished Ruis Elder who ghosted through her mind.
    Ailim made introductions. The women dipped barely polite curtsies, G’Uncle Ab inclined his head, and Uncle Pinwyd stared at Donax with protuberant eyes.
    Ailim said to Donax, “I’ve placed all the ledgers in your room. The ResidenceLibrary has now memorized your voice, and will give you our financial information for the last three decades. If you’ve any other requests, please see me. I consider you a member of the Family during your stay, GreatSir.”
    Her relatives mumbled imprecations under their breath and shot vitriolic glances at the young man.
    â€œMerry meet!” caroled a voice.
    They all turned. GreatLady Danith D’Ash smiled in the doorway. She was dressed in a blue commoncloth trous suit and held a tiny golden pup with curly hair.
    Ailim suppressed her shock at the sight of Danith carrying the puppy. The GreatLady worked fast.
    Danith’s smile spread into a grin. “I brought you a gift; her name is Primrose.” Danith traipsed into the room, ignoring the others with a lack of self-consciousness Ailim envied.
    â€œYou are a friend of my niece?” Menzie’s voice held brittle coldness at the sight of the young woman in middle-class clothing. Cona sniffed.
    Danith stopped. When her stare met Menzie’s, it was even more freezing. “I’m Danith D’Ash. You are?”
    Menzie goggled at her title. Cona gave an unbeautiful squeak.
    Turning back to Ailim, Danith smiled again.
    It was as if the GreatLady had completely dismissed the tense, nasty emotions in the room as of no more importance than the people. An interesting trick. Ailim noted the woman’s attitude and deportment as one Ailim could model in the future.
    The puppy wriggled in Danith’s hands, and Ailim knew they both were very aware of the strained atmosphere.
    â€œA Family meeting, D’SilverFir? I’m sorry I interrupted, but the door was open. Here.” Danith set the puppy in the crook of Ailim’s left arm. Primrose’s tiny tongue darted out to dab at Ailim’s face. Ailim shut her eyes and hung on to her composure.
    When she opened her lashes, it was to see silky puppy ears and big, brown, liquid eyes. Me love You. Yes. Only You , the puppy murmured in her mind.
    â€œI—” Ailim started.
    â€œGood, you’ve bonded. Primrose’s a teacup poodle. You’ll find her a very loving Fam Companion. She’s eight weeks old and only needs to be fed four times a day. I’ve sent a light-globe with other information. Please scry with any questions.”
    â€œA puppy! From D’Ash!” squealed Cona, all her surface charm back in place for this important Lady. “The most prized gift one can have this season. Why, Earthpets are so scarce, particularly dogs. We’re so honored.” She clapped, then clasped her hands, sending D’Ash a melting look. “Could I dare ask—”
    Cuz Canadena whiffled and snuffled.
    â€œThe beast irritates Canadena’s allergies. Ailim can’t keep it,” Menzie said with satisfaction.
    Primrose made a little growling noise. Ailim sensed her simple thoughts. The puppy wanted desperately to run around the room. The puppy needed desperately to gnaw at something smelly and tasty. Primrose eyed Uncle Pinwyd’s natty