Her mood was not improved by the undisguised laughter she saw in Tarik’s eyes each time they met hers. Considering the situation in which they found themselves, his humor was infuriating to her. When Almaric had formally ushered them into a large reception room, Narisa could be quiet no longer. “I just want to say,” she began, but stopped, surprised when Tarik laid two fingers firmly across her lips. “Not one word,” he said softly and intensely. “For your life’s sake, and mine, be silent, Narisa.” She saw something in his eyes besides laughter. A warning, a plea, she could not be certain which. She held her tongue and waited. “After so long an absence, you will of course want to greet your mother at once,” Almaric was saying smoothly. “Do you wish to present your subordinate officer to her?” “With your kind permission,” Tarik answered with equal smoothness. “Then I see no reason why your guards should not relax in this comfortable room with whatever refreshments my servants can provide for them.
