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I suppose so. Silly logic! Of course, Rio was right. Leo flushed a little and glanced away. Did you have anymore questions about Terre d'Ange for me? You made it sound like you had lots before.

He made a pleased noise and kissed him in return only drawing away after letting the kiss linger a while. The nobility are a tangle love, intrigue, courtly politeness and alliances. They are also terrible gossips, about everything imaginable and the more embarrassing the better. But it seems much the same as anywhere else. Most of them are nice enough, provided you don't get in the way of whatever it is there after. If you do, consequences are usually reputation damaging. You'd be surprised the things I've heard, just being one of 'Naamah's pets'. The term didn't seem so bad now, but the first time it had been directed at him it wasn't put nicely.

Who is bedding who...alliances.... Leo shook his head and sighed. It's a good thing I'm bound by contract to discretion. Otherwise I could probably have made a fortune in trading in secrets by now. Not that he would have, even if he were able. Most pillow talk tended to go in one ear and out the other with him, unless it was truly interesting which was rare. Rio was the most interesting person he'd spent any length of time with in a while, save for his housemates.

Common folk on the whole are a good deal more pleasant. Far more honest and even more trusthworthy in some cases. I don't spent as much time with them as I did after I was first made an adept. Between teaching classes, performing and assignations...I seem to have little time just for myself. He reached out to take Rio's hand, turning it to lace their fingers together.

Spending what little time I have here is the most time I've had to myself in at least a month if not longer... Sure, he wasn't alone, but it was company he wanted and wasn't being paid to provide.

Since my marque is made my business is mostly my own. Since I do teach classes for the fosterlings and apprentices of the house...the Dowayne might be a bit upset with me. He smiled sheepishly. Nothing I can't handle of course, I've upset her far more times than I probably should have over the years. Even before she was the Dowayne.

No doubt Daniel would've been asked to tend to it in his absence, which means likely meant upset children to deal with upon his return. Daniel was a gifted dancer, but he was no teacher and hardly had patience for the fosterlings.

A Dowayne is the man or woman in charge of the house. They are the ones who set forth the contract terms for marques, assignations and any other performances on top of the responsibility of keeping the house running. Eglantine's current Dowayne is a woman named Alexandrie. Their Second assists them in these duties with the understanding that they will eventually become the Dowayne of the house when the current one steps down. Alexandrie's Second is a young man named Alain, he's only a little bit older than me.

Leo had actually been offered the position of Second, but he turned it down because he wanted to continue teaching instead. Being Second, and eventually Dowayne, meant he wouldn't have any time for other responsibilities.

He grinned and squeezed Rio's hand gently. So full of questions, are we? It's fine. Most Seconds become Dowayne between 20 to 30 years old, it varies some depending on the health or age of predecessor. Most serve as Dowayne until their 40s or in some cases into the 50s. Usually they retire while still in good health and leave things to their Second. The Dowayne of Cereus House also services on the City Judiciary committee, in addition to their regular duties.

Alexandrie is a lovely woman. She was the Second when I was dedicated. Honey colored hair, green eyes, beautiful smile. Good at making people laugh and feel at ease. She became the Dowayne a few years ago and she has done very well. Eglantine house has prospered quite a bit since then.

As I said, Alain is my age, roughly. He became Second a few months after Alexandrie became Dowayne. Blonde hair, brown eyes. Streak of mischief a league wide, but you wouldn't know it just looking at him. He's usually very quiet.

Leo chuckled, relaxing against Rio again. And then you'll find hundreds more when we actually get there, no doubt.