aLooks great.a Garrett put enthusiasm in his voice.

aThank you.a Rusby mewed impatiently. I want to jump on the bedsponge.

aNo,a Garrett said. He reached into his pocket and took out a chewy treat that would keep the kitten occupied for a while.

An idea occurred to him. aSay, TQ,a he began casually. aDo you still have that mural on the wall? I liked it.a The only thing besides Artemisia he remembered with fondness. And he felt a buzzing hesitation from TQ.

aNo,a the actoras voice said aloud, with a hint of regret. aIt was decommissioned, as requested by the artist and the provider of the images.a A more cheerful tone. aIt was made especially for you.a aAnd I thank you for it again,a Garrett said, though his ears p.r.i.c.ked up at TQas wording. aYou have the artistas name?a aThe mural was also an experiment by GreatMistrys Avellana Hazel. Though we did not activate the option, it could have been three-dimensional.a Garrett grunted, disappointed. No way he could afford a mural by Avellana Hazel, an artist from the FirstFamilies.

aTQ.a Now his own tones were soft. aDid you provide enough data to give Artemisia an alibi for the murder?a aThey question me!a TQ thundered. aIf they question me, they will question the honor and verity of every Residence.a aI guess so.a aI will speak to my . . . colleagues.a aThey are colleagues, TQ.a aI am still almost the youngest. But the other Residences will not be pleased. As I understand the time of the death of the Black Magic Cultist, you and Artemisia had been drugged and were sleeping.a aThatas true.a aI monitored your sleep patterns because she objected to the soporific.a aMonitored?a aI have minute-by-minute graphs of your breathing and REM cycles.a aThat should do it.a His breath eased out. Artemisia was safe. Since he didnat know where or from what TQ was watching him, Garrett bowed in a circle to the House. aThank you.a aAre you going to claim your HeartMate?a TQ asked, again in weighty tones.

aI think so.a TQ sighed. aIt is good that you came to your senses.a Garrett found his jaw clenching, his contrary nature irritated at all the trouble this whole HeartMate thing had caused him, his own roiling emotions on the subject.

And TQ continued on, aThough I have witnessed the fact that the bond between HeartMatesa"even before the s.e.xual HeartBond is in placea"remains intact despite the avoidance of one of the partic.i.p.ants. You would have all your lives to claim her.a Garrettas eyes widened. He wouldnat. Artemisia had made it clear she wanted a husband and children, and soon.

Made him thinka"and feela"more. Fear and dread of what he had done mixed confusingly with a hopeful image of making those children with her.

Yes, head wanted children. Yes, head be terrified for their fates.

aYour respiration has increased and your body is perspiring. Is something wrong?a asked TQ.

aNo,a Garrett denied.

aYou are not truthful, but I will not press.a aThank you for rea.s.suring me about Artemisiaas alibi.a Garrett changed the subject. aI have appointments I must keep. I wish you well.a Garrett and Rusby had reached the public carrier plinth when he received a scry from the guard station. Since there was no one waiting with them, he took the call.

aWe checked out the old airship landing area,a Berberis said.

Milkweed took up the story. aSpoke to a couple of pilots. One recalls bringing a pa.s.senger up from Gael City. Guy approached him, saying he was an old guildman and needed a lift. Offered a little gilt, but our pilot was feeling generous, and the man helped him with the checklist and knew what he was doing.a Berberis said, aSo the pilot let the man travel up. Said head thought there was something familiar about him, but couldnat figure it out, and the guy didnat talk much on the flight.a Milkweed grimaced. aTurns out the pilot had worked for Eryngo a while back before he started his own courier service. He said that now that he thought about it, the man looked like old Eryngo.a aAnd if head known it was Modoc, head have pushed the fligger out of the ship,a Berberis ended.

aThank you, that confirms my info.a Berberis grunted, eyes keen. aYouave got good informants. Iad heard you had thata"but now youave proven it.a aThanks again,a Garrett said and ended the scry.

Rusby swallowed his chew and said conversationally, I did not see My mother at the Turquoise House.

Garrett hadnat even thought of that.

aDoes that bother you?a She is a good dam for a Cat. But My life is with humans now. My FamMan and FamWoman.

Another deep breath for Garrett as he contemplated the fact that Artemisia would be a wonderful mother.

And he couldnat get over that it seemed she had already moved on from him.

Evening was finally falling and his feeta"and hearta"itched. He didnat want to return to MidCla.s.s Lodge. Or his office. He was too unsettleda"hadnat been like this sincea"well, maybe never.

So he went to a friend, Laev TaHawthorn.

They sat in Laevas study and discussed the murder case, Laev watching him with a penetrating gaze. Rusby was stretched out on the arched back of Garrettas wing chair, and Laevas FamCat, a long-haired black named Brazos, slept on a pillowed cat tree.

Finally the GreatLord said, aWhatas bothering you?a Garrett stood, walked to the bare fireplace, then to windows looking out on a gra.s.syard that had been tended for centuries. He turned to his friend with a grimace. aI made a bad mistake.a He heard Laevas breath. The man tapped his fingertips together. aI can probably fix any mistake that youave made. Run through all your gilt already?a aNo!a aFalsify any data in the Iasc experiment?a Garrettas face set in the new lines head developed with the ordeal. aOf course not. Sick. Nothing during that whole fliggering project was within my control.a aTough. Commit any crimes?a His shoulders tensed. aNo crime, but I broke a big law.a Laevas brows went high as if in disbelief. aWhich law?a aI told my HeartMate we were HeartMates.a aYou finally found your HeartMatea"a Laev began to grin, then frowned as he processed the rest of Garrettas sentence.

aYou did what?a Laev asked.

Garrett didnat think head ever seen the man so surprised. His mouth had fallen open. aYou heard me,a Garrett grumbled.

Laevas sucked-in breath was easily heard. aWho?a he rasped.

aArtemisia Mugwort.a Again Laevas jaw dropped. His Adamas apple bobbed as he swallowed, then snapped his teeth shut. aFliggering Cave of the Dark G.o.ddess,a Laev said.

Garrett didnat think head heard the man curse before. Not something a sophisticated GreatLord did. Garrettas insides tensed as his nose whiffed danger. Looking at the man from under lowered eyelids, Garrett slid into a chair and kept his lounge casual.

Laev straightened in his own chair, not looking cool at all, as if Artemisia Mugwort was someone special to him. But Laev was HeartBonded to his wife, Camellia. Garrett searched his memory for anything that Laev might have said and remembered that Laev had indicated that he knew her. Mistake on Garrettas part, talking about her. aDidnat know you were such a stickler for the rules.a aItas a pretty big law you broke,a Laev said crisply.

Garrett stretched his muscles. He was bigger than Laev, could move as fast, and was a better fighter than the lord with everything other than blazers. aWhatas Artemisia Mugwort to you?a

Twenty-four.

Artemisia Mugwort saved my womanas life,a Laev TaHawthorn said, scowling at Garrett.

Uh-oh.

Reaching out to a blue green perscry on the table next to the chair, Laev took it and ordered, aScry Artemisia Mugwort.a Worse and worse.

aArtemisia here,a she said.

Garrettas heart gave a hard thud in his chest at the sight of her. She wore fancy braids and a black evening dress of the latest style with a square neckline that showed the tops of her full b.r.e.a.s.t.s. His c.o.c.k stirred. Dammit!

aGreetyou, TaHawthorn,a Artemisia said politely. She seemed to be sitting in a booth in an expensive club. The wallpaper appeared to be silkeen, the cushion behind her blue leather. aWhat can I do for you?a she asked.

That was Artemisia, always offering to help without thinking of the cost.

aAre you alone?a Laev asked.

Her pretty arched brows rose. aFor the moment, but Iam not sure how long I will be.a aEnd the call when necessary,a Laev said. aGarrett Primross just told me that he broke the law by informing you that you and he are HeartMates.a She flushed . . . all the way down to her neckline and Garrett noted that her b.r.e.a.s.t.s rose and fell with ragged breaths.

aWhat do you want me to do to him?a Laev asked.

aYouare friends. I donat want you to hurt your friend.a Laev smiled over the scry at Garrett, an arrogant FirstFamily GreatLord smile. Garrett sat straight.

aI take some things very seriously,a Laev said, then, aYour father canat be happy with this.a Which had Garrett thinking about the puzzle he wouldnat let nag at him again, Artemisiaas Family and her homea"though the information that her father was an ex-judge spurted through his brain. The elder Mugwort would not approve of Garrettas actions.

Artemisiaas lips firmed. She lifted her chin. aMy father doesnat know about this. I prefer he doesnat find out.a aWhat do you want me to do to Garrett?a Laev repeated.

Garrett was beginning to sweat. Head misjudged the n.o.ble. Stup to think Laev was his friend first, would stand by him no matter what, even if Garrett was in the wrong. Stup!

Artemisiaas eyes went distant for a moment. aMy . . . gallant . . . has arrived. I thank you for your interest, GreatLord TaHawthorn, but I want you to do nothing to GentleSir Primross. Let this matter go.a aIam not surea"a Laev began but stopped as a big man entered the picture, walking like a fighter.

aBarton Clover,a said the guy. aVery pleased to meet you, GentleLady Mugwort.a Artemisia waved her fingers and Laevas perscry went dark.

Garrett found himself on his feet as head strained to look at the couple. Now he forced his hands from fisting, and his breathing regular. Anger burned in his belly and hurt pulsed in his heart.

He bowed formally to Laev, as a Commoner would to a GreatLord. aI am sorry that I have inflicted my presence upon you.a aDonat look now, but you have that reverse prejudice att.i.tude running again,a Laev said.

Garrett flexed his jaw to keep words from spurting out.

aI understand you want my support,a Laev said. aBut the fact is, youare tough and you can take care of yourself. Youare set for life.a He raised a hand. aDue to your own generosity, compa.s.sion, and efforts.a Garrett snarled.

aBut Artemisia Mugwortas place at Primary HealingHall is shaky. Furthermore, I donat believe in hurting women.a That was a d.a.m.n insult, and stung all the more because Garrett had hurt Artemisia. But he couldnat let the slur pa.s.s. aIs that so? You hurt Camellia plenty.a Garrett wasnat going to point out that Laev had also hurt his first wife. Though that woman had brought any hurt from Laev down on herself with her dishonorable behavior. aNot to mention the fact that you, of all people, know what it is to make a d.a.m.n mistake.a Laevas face set. aI canat believe you brought that up. And Iam just doing you a favor here, handling this myself and discreetly, instead of reporting you to the guards or judges or any of the councils.a He stood before the door. Garrett b.u.mped him out of the way, was glad when he saw the return push and evaded and turned to work off some of his irritation.

FIGHT! Rusby shrieked in glee and launched himself off the top of the chair onto Brazos, who was sleeping on the plush stand.

Foolish of the kitten. Like a Commoner attacking a GreatLord.

Yowls split the air.

Garrett dodged a fist to his face, hit Laevas gut with his shoulder, and took the lord down, rolled with him.

Laev nearly slipped from his hold when the door slammed open and Camellia DaHawthorn and her FamCat, Mica, rushed through. From the corner of his eye, Laev saw the female cat wallop Rusby with a paw and send him rolling.

Water came out of nowhere and dumped on him and Laev, caught all three of the cats, who shrieked so that Garrett thought head go deaf.

aQuiet! And stop everything!a Camellia shouted.

Laev grabbed his HeartMate and, with glinting eyes and a wide grin, yanked her against his sopping form.

aYou stup!a she cried.

Garrett took a squishy step toward Laev, got his temper under control, and halted.

Camellia glared at him. aI didnat expect this of you.a He shrugged.

She looked at her husband. aI suppose you wonat tell me what youare fighting about.a Laev looked innocent. He didnat do too badly.

After sniffing loudly, Camellia kissed the side of Laevas jaw and said a drying spell on herself as she walked to the door. As she went out, she threw a glance over her shoulder at Garrett. aYouare invited to dinner.a aThanks.a As she closed the door, Laev said an intricate verse of a housekeeping spell that sucked the water from the room, his and Garrettas clothes, and even their hair. Garrett was still annoyed, but said, aGood job.a aGetting better at it,a Laev said. He smiled, cheeks creasing. aArtemisia looked incredible, didnat she?a He raised his brows.

aDidnat notice.a aLiar.a Yes, he was, but the anger and guilt at himself for hurting her and irritation at her for being with another man sizzled back through him. The scuffle with Laev had relieved his feelings a little, but had been all too brief.

They were no sooner seated at the table with a bowl of chilled soup and a large salad and thick slices of bread than Laev shot Garrett a bland look and remarked to his HeartMate, aI understand one of your friends has seriously begun looking for a good husband.a Camellia DaHawthorn, whose thoughts had appeared to be distant, perked up and straightened in her chair. aWho?a Without awaiting an answer, she continued, aNot Tianaa"she still has hopes of her HeartMate looking for hera"and Glyssa will be heading out to find hers soon enough, I think.a aArtemisia,a Laev said, lifting his gla.s.s of wine and sipping.

aOh, thatas good!a Camellia said.

Though the cushion was plump under his a.s.s, Garrett shifted in his seat. aGossip at the dinner table?a he grated.

Camellia laughed. aWhat, you expected more of n.o.bles? Iall have you know that one of the main topics of conversation with the FirstFamilies is rampant rumor, like for everyone else.a Laev looked at Garrett. aJust garnering information.a aNope.a Camellia shook her head. aGossip. Hmm.a She crunched on a bit of raw vegetable. aIall think about who might be a good man for her. Someone gentle and thoughtful, with a good sense of humor, like her father.a Laev laughed.

And Garrett tried not to wonder if Artemisia was enjoying Barton Cloveras company.

Artemisia smiled brilliantly at Barton Clover.

He blinked, appearing a little stunned, then leaned forward and clasped her hands. aYou know, lady, we Clovers do not have a Healer in the Family yet, and I a.s.sure you, we value those.a His hands were warm, his blue gaze intent, and he was charming enough that she was able to push the other man to the back of her mind.

She was pleasantly surprised and attracted to the man . . . probably because he was the same general type as her Hearta"as Garrett Primross. A big man, working in a very physical profession as the chief of security for the Clovers. He seemed much more easygoing than Garrett, but, like that other man, there were shadows of secrets in his eyes. That appealed, too, where it might not have before . . .

She had secrets of her own and she now viewed those who had them as having hidden depths. A completely open mana"a man like shead wanted beforea"no longer seemed to be enough.

Their conversation was easy, and after dinner, as she teleported to the nearest pad to BalmHeal estate, she a.s.sured herself that his brief kiss had given her a tingle. Maybe two.

Though the evening with Barton had been good, she knew they couldnat get serious about marrying. He was the head of security for the Clover Family and their compound. He wouldnat be available to live where she wanted.

But it wouldnat hurt to make a friend of him; head flirted but she thought head already come to the same conclusiona"that she would be a good friend, maybe a sometime lover, but not a wife. She didnat know if he had a HeartMate and wouldnat ask.

Still, as emotionally injured as she was, head be a good man to accept as a gallant and lover. Head looked at her with appreciation, he wouldnat reject hera"not for what she wanted. A solid man, a shrewd man, like Garrett. But a man with an easier surface manner and not one interested in a deeper relationship with her. That would ease her pain until she found a man she could forge a strong life with.

That night she let Randa out to roam the estate. Her FamRacc.o.o.n was excited to range her new home. And while her Fam was gone, Artemisia decided to do something none of the Mugworts had ever contemplateda"ask BalmHeal Residence directly about future mates for herself and Tiana. A daring move, and she didnat like risk, but she needed the information to craft her plans.

She waited until deep in the night, near the dreaded hour of TransitionBell, and she knew that the rest of her Family was asleep and would not wake. She drew in a large breath. aBalmHeal Residence?a aYes, Artemisia?a it asked, as it always did. But she heard the smugness in its tone, as always. The Residence liked their dark night chats. She wouldnat let it know that shead had nightly conversations with the Turquoise House. Her Residence was touchy, with oversensitized feelings.

aIave decided itas time I wed.a She held her breath but didnat think the Residence would ask about HeartMates.

aThatas good. You are in your best childbearing years.a Her breath expelled on a hiss and a wince, but she couldnat contradict. aYes,a she said steadily. aI thought Iad ask what sort of man you would like to live here with us.a There was a loud creak of surprise from the rafters. aAnother inhabitant for me?a aMy parents would not like to be separated.a She swallowed. aAnd I am determined to have a good marriage, as they do. That means my husband will need to live here.a The low-level humming vibration that came when the Residence was in deep thought permeated the room. She scooted around on her bedsponge, plumping up her pillows and arranging them and the comforter until she had her regular little nest. The smell of her pillow that TQ had decontaminated wasnat quite right. Not that shead ever tell the Turquoise House that.

She didnat hurry BalmHeal; patience was always a boon with the ent.i.ty. Instead she looked up at the ceiling and whispered the spell that made the roof transparent so she could see the stars. It was an old, old spell and one she had to funnel energy into every montha"and it worked only on this particular room, which is why shead chosen the chamber so many years ago. She loved the night sky, and she especially loved this view. It seemed as if a spiral galaxy was right overhead, glittering white and red and blue and black when the twinmoons were new.

The sky had been beautiful at the Turquoise House, too, but she hadnat dared leave Garrett during TransitionBella"the time when most souls left their bodies to die and cycle on the wheel of stars for the next reincarnation. And she shunted that thoughta"the image of his tortured and sweating bodya"aside. Just as well that shead known him longer as a patient than not.

aI missed the sky,a she murmured, soothing herself as well as the Residence. aThe Turquoise House is surrounded by city and there is too much light around to see all the stars I can view from here.a aMmm.a The vibration had risen to a small hum, signaling that the Residence would talk . . . in the next few minutes.

Artemisia watched as the faint light from the crescent twinmoon Eire silvered the edge of the roof. The depth of the sky, the brilliance of the galaxies, the sliver of moonlight eased the tightness of her body. This was unchanging, unwavering, something she could count on forever.

The stars had been the same when t.i.tle and home and wealth had been stripped from her Family. The stars hadnat moved when she suffered through Pa.s.sage in the rental rooms, suppressing it as much as she could, trying to hurry through it, trying to be quiet. And when her Family had accepted being caretakers of the secret sanctuary, the stars had been there, this room with the panorama had been here, to comfort her.

She would survive the huge and horrible ache in her life right now, and the night sky would help by its pure and stable infinity.

aI have thought on your question, dear,a said BalmHeal Residence. aAnd I would like a big, athletic man.a Artemisiaas heart twinged and her eyes overflowed with sudden tears. She rubbed them away on her pillow, yanked a softleaf from a packet on the table and blew her nose, then blinked hard to clear the smears of stars back to white diamonds. aWhy?a aHe should be a gardener and a landscaper, able to work outside. A builder would be good. And a FirstFamily n.o.bleman.a Her breath stuck in her throat as she gasped a laugh. aAll of that.a aYes. I will review the FirstFamilies for the proper person. I like your fatheras gentleness. A quiet man would also be good.a Obviously shead asked the wrong question of the wrong person. On the other hand, she foresaw that BalmHeal Residence would spend much time on the matter. She only hoped that it wouldnat insist on her marrying its choice.

Clearing her throat, she said, aWhen we have a candidate, we should bring him here so you could check him out.a aWe must ensure he will not give away our secret!a The Residence sounded upset.

aThatas true. You might have to do some background research on the men before they visit.a She blew her nose again, wiggled around until her pillows were right, and began to sink into a pre-sleep meditation.

aThey must be honorable!a the Residence insisted.

Her lips curved. aLike we are,a she said, closing her eyes.