over, hoping to slip out with the audience. Tomorrow was a major feast day, and there would be a huge crowd not only at the fights but in the city itself. Hopefully that would help make their presence less obvious. Baralt’s friend Varga had arranged for passage for them on a small trader at what she suspected was an exorbitant price.
One more fight, she thought. He just has to make it through one more fight. Then everything is going to be all right.
Despite her attempt to convince herself, she slept poorly and awoke feeling tired and grumpy. At least Baralt seemed better in the morning, and he told her that the effects of the gas had completely disappeared.
“Varga will come and get you once the fight starts,” he said as they ate breakfast together. “He will have clothes that will help disguise you. As soon as the fight is over, I will find the two of you, and we will head for the audience exit.”
She nodded and tried to conceal butterflies tumbling through her stomach. Unable to eat, she pushed her plate to one side.
“You must eat, my aria. You will need your strength.”
“I can’t. I just keep thinking of all the things that could go wrong.”
He smiled reassuringly at her. “Nothing is going to go wrong.”
The door alarm sounded just as he finished speaking, and she jumped nervously.
“I’m sure it’s just Mehexip,” he said reassuringly as he got up from the table.
Before he reached the door, it slid open, and Relkhei swept in. Izzie shuddered, remembering his last visit, but did her best to keep her face impassive.
“I hear congratulations are in order,” Relkhei said coldly.
“What do you mean?” Baralt asked.
“Today is the last fight under your present contract. Although, I am sure you are quite aware of that fact.” Despite his smooth tone, Relkhei’s anger was obvious. “And I assume that since you have not come to see me, you do not intend to sign another contract with me.”
“Or with anyone,” Baralt said calmly. “I have family obligations that will take me back to Hothrest.”
The annoyance on Relkhei’s face seemed to lessen.
“You are not going to another stable?”
Baralt shook his head. “I will not be fighting for the foreseeable future. I am afraid the situation on Hothrest will not resolve itself quickly.”
“I see.” Relkhei’s gaze swept over the room, and for the first time, he seemed to notice her. “This looks very…cozy. I find it a mistake to encourage a slave to share a meal.”
Baralt shrugged. “Our time together is growing short. Her next master can correct any bad habits I may have instilled.”
“I shall do just that.” Relkhei walked over to the table and put a cold hand under her chin, lifting it to study her face. Remembering Master Napunsa’s instructions, she kept her eyes down and didn’t look back at him. “In fact, I’m looking forward to it.”
Relkhei’s hand slid casually down to her breast as she did her best to remain still. He found her nipple and gave it a sudden vicious twist, and she instinctively tried to knock his hand away. He didn’t release his grip and instead twisted harder. “Oh yes, I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
Baralt growled and clamped his hand around Relkhei’s wrist until the male released her. “Do not touch her.”
A flash of rage threatened the fight master’s usual suave urbanity before he could control it. “You forget yourself. She is my slave.”
“She is mine until tomorrow, and I do not want her damaged. Once I’m gone, you are free to have your fun.”
“You won’t be sorry to leave her behind?” Relkhei asked. “You are acting as if you care for her.”
Baralt gave a casual shrug. “She has been entertaining, but I will have access to females of my own kind once I reach Hothrest. I prefer one of them to any alien female.”
Even though she knew Baralt’s speech was intended to make Relkhei believe that he had no lasting interest in her, the words stung more than she would have expected. And even though he seemed happy with her company, was he secretly longing for a Hothian female?
Relkhei laughed. “I prefer a variety. She will be my first human. Are you sure you do not wish to give her to me now? Since you are so looking forward to your Hothian females?”
“Ah, but they are not here now, are they? This one will do to satisfy my needs until it is time to leave.”
“Very well.” Relkhei started for the