Page 47 of Muse

He shrugged and looked away. “I would say nothing, but that’s not entirely true. I don’t like Herve Chaunter. I don’t like the way Adora treats you. I don’t like seeing people exploited in general.” Then he looked over at me. “I like you, I enjoy your company, and I want to keep working with you.

“So that’s what I’m getting out of this,” he finished with a crooked smile. “Spiting my enemies and helping my friends.”

“So we are friends then?” I asked.

His expression turned quizzical. “Why wouldn’t we be?”

“You said we have to keep things professional.”

A grin spread slowly across his face. “Professionals can be friends. Your friends with Wrenley and Briar.”

"Well, yes, but we're all muses. I'm allowed to date another muse without going against the Regula. My relationship with you is different than that."

“It is,” he agreed. “Romance tends to complicate things.”

“I suppose that is true,” I said and thought back to my relationship with Baxley Cole.

He and I had dated around the time I turned sixteen when Adora and I were working on procuring the estate and titles. I had just snagged my first prestigious conduction, which had put me close to the rising star muse, Baxley.

"When I dated a muse, it started fun and amazing, but by the time things ended…." I trailed off as my thoughts returned to the end of my tumultuous time with my first boyfriend.

“What happened?” Soren asked.

"It was messy," I admitted, but then I shook my head because I didn't really want to talk about it, especially not when my nerves were still so frayed. "But all of that proves your point. If we're going to be collaborating, we should keep things light and friendly."

“So does that mean you want to collaborate with me for Samonend?” he asked.

“If I don’t have to do anything I’m uncomfortable with, then yes. I will.”

"Excellent!" His excitement almost immediately shifted to grave, and his smile fell.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Now I have to plan a routine,” he said.

He ran a hand through his thick hair and offered me a lopsided grin. “I was so focused on convincing you to do the Samonend with me that I didn’t think about how I have to choreograph a whole routine and get it down in a matter of weeks. It needs to be especially fantastic since I made such a scene about poaching you from Herve.”

“What were you planning on before you decided to ask me to join you? Is it something we can modify to include me?” I asked.

“Solo illusions, but honestly, I’d rather build something up around you instead of forcing you into something that wasn’t meant for you.” He stared thoughtfully into space. “Do you have issues with the silks themselves or the acrobatics when performed on the ground?”

“No, those are fine,” I said.

"So silks, ribbons, and scarves are all on the table?"

I nodded. “Yes. What do you have in mind?”

For a moment, he didn’t answer and continued staring off. I was about to ask him again when he finally answered, “I have ideas, but I need to get some supplies.”

Then he looked at me again. “And you need to rest if you’re going to be any good to us by Samonend. You spent so much magik and energy in Lamida.”

I didn't even attempt to argue with him. The weeks pushing myself on the silks were physically, mentally, and magickally draining, and the fight with Adora drained me emotionally. Muses needed time to rest and recharge between major festivals and conductions, and with Samonend approaching fast, I didn't have an ideal amount of recovery. That meant that I had to make the most of our limited time.

“I’ll have to get some supplies in the market, and I’ll make replenishing imbued meals for you,” he said, almost absently. “Is there anything you need?”

“I think I’ll be okay with what I have.”

He straightened up. "I'm going to get ready and head out. Feel free to relax around the house while I'm gone. Read anything you want in the library, relax by the pond. There's paper and ink in the desk drawer in your flat if you'd like to write any correspondence."

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