purr to it. Something that spoke of a man who was accustomed to getting what he wanted. It was playful but vicious at the same time. A man who liked to play with knives. A man who liked to play with fire. She did not doubt his words.
And she had scolded him for swearing!
When she told him her name…he went silent. She did not know what was happening. The Cardinal is a madman. Everyone whispers how his power drove him insane. He is a lunatic, and he is holding my hand.
But something about the feeling of his warm fingers twined with hers did strange things to her. Something she could not quite put a pin in.
“Sir…?”
He laughed. It was loud, emphatic, and excited. It was dangerous, and it was joyful. It startled her badly. “Thank you, Mother Hera! Thank you!”
“I—I don’t—”
Suddenly, she was hugged to him with both arms. The small rings of sensors around her wrists vibrated in warning at the sudden movement, but it was too late. He felt strong, like a warm wall. He was taller than she was, and his arms around her felt both welcoming and like iron bars. “I prayed, and she answered. I was not quite sure the gods were real. But oh, fates below, I should not have questioned them. And to work so quickly, I must have done something wonderful in her eyes.” He was rambling like an excited child.
“Please, please let me go—”
He eased up on the embrace, and for a moment she hoped he was going to listen to her. But instead, he placed a palm to her cheek. His touch was as warm as the rest of him. The pads of his fingers were not tough, but not soft either. They were sure and certain and did not hesitate in tipping her head up.
“Oh, don’t you understand?” His voice was a murmur, and she felt his breath against her cheek.
“I’m afraid I don’t—”
A thumb touched her lips, silencing her. When he spoke again, his voice was close to her. She could feel him there, hovering near. “I prayed for hope, and here you are.”
And with that, he kissed her.
She tasted like honey. He could not have been happier with the feeling of those lush and full lips against his. He was so overcome by the sensation that he barely noticed the sting that rocked his head to the side.
Smack.
It echoed in the large marble vault.
He put his hand to his cheek, and sure enough, that was the source of the pain. Hope had slapped him! She was standing now, having taken the opportunity to slip out of his grasp. He rubbed his cheek and chuckled. “You have remarkable aim for a blind woman. Although I suppose you knew where my mouth was, didn’t you?”
“I—I—” She looked so frightened. Angry and yet uncertain. She was probably wondering what was to happen to her now that she had slapped a Cardinal of the Dominion.
He stood. Everyone was staring at them, and he flashed his smooth and easy smile. Tugging down the edge of his coat, he took a slow stride closer to her. Her little gadgets on her wrists must have alerted her—or perhaps she heard him move—because she took a matching step away from him.
“Are you going to beg me for forgiveness?”
“I—you—you should not have kissed me—” she stammered. Poor thing. He did enjoy it when they were a little afraid, though. It was so much fun when he soothed their concerns away. “I am sorry I struck you, Cardinal, but—”
“You’re sorry because I’m the Cardinal. Not because you feel you did anything wrong. I see.” He stepped toward her again, and she retreated again. He could see other priests and priestesses gathering in the wings, watching the exchange with wide-eyed looks of concern. But they weren’t his focus. She was. “Tell me the truth, Hope.”
“I…yes,” she admitted.
“Good. Did you not like my kiss?” He took a step forward.
She took a step back. “What?”
“Am I a terrible kisser? Tell me. Perhaps you can be honest where everyone else has lied to me. I have always been told I’m the best. But maybe you can set the record straight.” He took a step forward.
She took a step back. “Please, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to strike you. But—”
“Answer my question, Hope.” He held his arms out at his sides. He didn’t know why he bothered—she couldn’t see him. But he presented himself to her, nonetheless. “A Cardinal demands your answer.”