Chapter twenty two

How long have you owned the Red?" Victoria asked Tristan. They were riding through the forest. Sophia, on her small pony, was a few feet ahead of them, chattering animatedly to the animal as it picked its way through the trees.

"Just over a moon or so. Why?"

"Just curious. Your mother said she and her sister were owned by a family in the city who had to sell them. Which family was it? Were they Lycans?"

"I never asked," he grunted.

"They must have been. No human family, with their silly superstitions, would have allowed her in their home," she mused. She reached across and stroked his arm. "It was kind of you to take her in."

He grunted again and they rode in silence for a few moments. Victoria sighed. "Although I do not believe the humans and their stories of the Reds being witches, I do worry about her influence on your Sophia."

"She would never harm Sophia," Tristan said.

"No, of course not, my lord. She is obviously very fond of the girl - and her father." Victoria glanced at him.

When he didn't reply, she continued. "I just think that Sophia has an unnatural attachment to her. It does not seem proper for a Lycan child to spend so much of her time with a human. As nice as the Red seems to be, we all know that humans can never fully be trusted. Do you not worry that she will use Sophia as a way to better her situation? Perhaps you should begin to think of separating Sophia from her. I would be glad to help you transfer Sophia's affections to someone more suitable. Perhaps -"

"It does not matter," Tristan said. "I am selling her to another."

"You are?" Tristan could hear the obvious relief in Victoria's voice.

He nodded and she gazed thoughtfully at him for a moment. "You should speak with my

brother. He seems to fancy her and would buy her from you. I'm most certain of it."

"Your brother lives too far away. I promised Avery I would sell her to someone who lives

close to her sister."

Victoria stared at him. "Since when do we care what the slaves want, Tristan?"

"They are still people, Victoria. They have thoughts and feelings like everyone else."

"Aye, I suppose you are right," she said. "Still, I think you should consider it. She seems to

have a connection with Hendrick, and he would treat her well, I can assure you of that." "Sophia, you are too far ahead." Tristan urged his horse forward, ending their conversation.

"Lord Tristan has gone mad." Mrs. Lanning fumed. "Four days to plan a party and all because a child demands it. The party guests will be here tonight, and we still haven't fully cleaned the east wing, nor do we have enough food."

Marian smiled timidly at her. "There is not much left to clean in the east wing. Avery, Laura and Nadine are there now and will be finished it by mid-afternoon. As for food, lord Tristan sent Jeffrey and Marshall to the village yesterday for more groceries. They will be back any time now."

"Besides," Renee piped up from where she was scrubbing the top of the large black cook stove, "think of how much fun it will be. There will be music and dancing, and lord Tristan's guests are sure to bring their slaves with them. Some of them may even be young men who will fall over themselves to dance with me."

Mrs. Lanning scowled at her. "You will not be enjoying yourself as much when you are cleaning up after this party, will you, Renee?"

When Renee only shrugged and continued to clean the cook stove, Mrs. Lanning rolled her eyes. "It is a huge waste of electricity. We are forced to use candles and lanterns for most of the year, yet he will undoubtedly use up a year's supply of electricity on the lights in the common room alone."

She stormed out of the kitchen, still muttering to herself and Marian grinned at Renee. "I swear, Mrs. Lanning is only happy when she has something to be unhappy about."