“You have such a lovely waist, Sephi.”
She took my hands in hers, set them on each side of her waist, before guiding them slowly around to follow that lovely curve to meet at the small of her back. “Is that satisfactory?”
I gazed into her eyes, savoring that subtle smile.
I pulled her against me, feeling our hips and thighs press against each other, feeling my chest melt into her bosom.
She tipped her head down to glide her cheek against mine.
“It is…mostsatisfactory, Sephi.”
Chapter Twelve
My face positively glowed as I glided through the nearly empty academy corridor, a note from Sephi in the side pocket of my uniform trousers.
Yes, a note.
I wasn’t sure what the mores were regarding open displays of affection in noble circles. While Sephi’s interactions with me during class that week were laced with innuendo, they were, on the surface, merely cordial. Her note, on the other hand…
Well, technically, it was also merely cordial. But it wasin writing.I was invited to her place the coming weekend, unless the geomagic mapping excursion took place. The event had been planned for ‘sometime’ toward the end of the semester, with the exact date depending on weather. I’d never ridden in a balloon before and was looking forward to the field trip. But I looked forward to visiting Sephimara’s home far more.
Magic glow lamps cast the hall in a dim but serviceable light. The last lecture ended twenty minutes prior, and I’d paused in an empty classroom to readher note.
Several times.
A voice down one of the side corridors I’d just passed caught my attention. Not a raised voice, nor a sharp one, but something about it was distinctly unfriendly. I paused.
“Fur tails like you don’t belong at an institution like this.” I recognized the voice. Aldyr.
Backtracking to the intersection, I peered around the corner to see him and his associates speaking to Yoi.
“Tending livestock is what you should be doing,” said one of the others.
“Sharp hearing to watch for predators. A far better fit for your species attributes.” The three of them had boxed her in against a wall. Not touching her, but she couldn’t get around without touchingthem.
What was with these guys?
“Actually, gentlemen,” I strode up to them, seeing a near panic in Yoi’s eyes. “People like her areexactlywho belong at an institution like this.”
“Stay out of this, human,” said Aldyr.
Who knew what this dispute was about? I might be stepping into the middle of something and making it worse. But I couldn’t just… “Enlightenment, Integrity, Egality. Literally the school’s motto. Or is that too many big words for you?”
“How dare you imply Master Aldyr is unaware of this institution’s history.”
“I imply nothing.” I crossed arms over my chest.
“The nekojin are not one of the magically gifted species,” Aldyr spoke coolly. “It is a simple fact.”
“Almost as ungifted as humans,” added one of the others.
The statement was true. But there were variations in magical affinity within species.
“Your opinions are yours to keep.” I extended a hand to Yoi, leaving the lacky between her and me the choice of getting out of the way or getting physical.
He stepped aside, whispering something to Aldyr.
“But I believe this academy has an admissions council.” I took Yoi’s hand and pulled her next to me. “Which you are not a part of.”
