Page 74 of The Tenth Muse

She swatted at my bare backside playfully. “Though I am loath to admit it, the clothing was a brilliant thought. I despise it, but it was effective.”

Despite my boneless limbs, I popped up to look down at her with a giddy grin. “I knew it would be! Just think of all we can do, my love. How freeing it will be!”

“You need to work on your American male voice,” she replied wryly.

I played indignant at her jest. “I didn’t hearyoudoing any spectacular impersonations, Countess. All you did was scowl.”

“Well”—she shrugged—“we all have our strengths.”

I fell back against her chest, still smiling. The little flashes of her humor and playfulness are a greater gift than all the gold in the West. I treasure them, holding them close to my heart like favorite photographs one might look upon fondly in times of trial. Each passing year seems to chill her soul a little more—or whatever it could be called. The Pope would certainly decry the presence of a soul in a creature such as Luci and I. We inhabit the space between the living and the dead, relying on death to continue our existence. Yet, I do not think myself wholly lost to darkness. There is joy in it, and I believe as long as there is joy, there must be some sliver of good in a person.

This new frontier may be just what we need, my Luci and I. Even in this rough-hewn place, I can imagine my love in her finest gowns, hear my own laughter as I seek and find all the mischief I can. I know it may take time, but this landwillbecome something—I can tell, and by being here in its infancy, perhaps we can claim a piece of it for ourselves. Here, there are no royals, no aristocrats… but all men seek to be led.

It is fortunate I have brought a Countess.

about heather nix

Heather Nix writes magical lesbians. Born and raised in sunny San Diego, CA she is the mother of two human children, eight big fancy spiders, and three cats. In her limited spare time she can be found in a bathtub or at a bar drinking $20 cocktails with her partner.

Heather is passionate about writing sapphic romance, and strives to create nuanced characters who resonate with underserved communities.

also by heather nix

The Song of Gods

Woodborn

A Lute and a Lover

Seaswept

Magic and Mishaps

Mixing Up Mayhem

Standalone

Currency in Flesh

the hart & the crane

An Immortal Orders Prequel

Allison Carr Waechter

author’s note

Content Considerations

“The Hart & The Crane” is a romantasy heist full of stolen books, clever disguises, and a romance built on secrets and ambition.

Themes of deception, romantic manipulation, and class ambition. Includes flirtation layered with power dynamics, magical theft, and mild sensual content.

Set in a gothic-inspired academic world with discussions of familial pressure, identity, and desire. Expect slow-burn seduction, morally gray choices, and characters who lie beautifully—for love and legacy both.

one

. . .

---