Foreign Exchange (The Concubine Chronicles Book 1) (13 page)

Liera sat there, trying to think it through.  "Do I have to choose right away?"

"You aren't allowed to choose right away," said Maash.  "Tonight you're going to tell me stories, and say 'yes, lady, thank you, lady' when I tell you to do anything, and you're going to sleep chained to the foot of my bed."

That all sounded very nice.

"But if you want it off, you're going to have to tell me soon.  Because I'd look pretty stupid getting a matching bracelet, if you then get it off.  And it'll cost a fortune, to get something that'll match that, and I'd be really irritated at having to cut that loose, especially if Jalah burns me making it."

"Cut it off?" asked Liera.  "But—"

"I could get one with a clasp," said Maash.  "Not going to, though."

Liera thought that through.

"Your anklet means that you're owned, and not having a clasp means that you're not going to stop being owned.  If I get a bracelet, that means that I own something, and not having a clasp means I'm not going to stop owning it."

That sounded even nicer.  Liera snuggled up to Maash, tucking herself in under her arm, her skin against Maash's silk.  "I may have invited a few people to come visit," she said.

She couldn't see Maash's face, but she could almost feel her raised eyebrow.  "Tsui," said Liera.

"I see.  Well, it would be useful to have someone like that around, for when I'm out."

Liera winced, snuggled closer.  "And Taril."

Maash was silent for a bit.  "Are you sure?" she said.

"No," said Liera.  "Maybe?  I don't know.  Maybe something less . . . you know.  Less.  More clothing and talking and . . .  I don't know.  I like him, I guess?  But—"

Maash put a finger on her lips.  "I understand.  Maybe.  We'll think about it."

"Also," said Liera.  "I'm supposed to ask you to lend me to the Yail and Lady Arith."

"Are you?" said Maash.  "Well, go ahead."

Liera blushed.  "Please, lady?  Please lend me to the Yail and Lady Arith?  They'll do horrible things to me, and you'll enjoy that."

Maash laughed.  "Yes, maybe a little, sweet."  She hugged Liera tight.  "You're just so much fun, Liera.  And . . . well, do you want me to lend you to the Yail and Lady Arith?"

"Noooo," said Liera.  "A little?  Not for a long time.  I want you."

"Oh, Liera," said Maash.  "You have me."

Maash scooted over, giving Liera enough space to curl up on the seat, her head in Maash's lap.  "We're almost there.  It'll be late, so probably nobody will see you, but do you want my jacket?"

Liera considered.  And then she crawled behind Maash into their flat, wearing her collar and anklet and nothing else, where she wanted to be.