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come off?”
    “It will break down in a few days and wash off in the shower.”
    “So, you actually bonded it to my skin.” He whistled softly, and she glared down at the top of his dark head as he evened the wrap of gold lace on her skin.
    When he stood, he grinned at her. “Now for the mask, and then, we can be on our way. My cousin has a hairdresser and makeup artist standing by.” She scowled, he sized the lace and shaped it, but then he pulled it away. “Put this on before my cousin hauls you to the ball.” Meena got nervous, and she clutched at the surprisingly sturdy mask. “Aren’t you coming with me?”
    “I have to be there in the receiving line. I will see you when you arrive.”
    “How will I get there?”
    He lifted his head and cocked it slightly.
    “Agheda has just arrived. You had better go. She is not the most patient woman.”
    “Just like that?” If she were being honest, all that stroking had gotten her motor running, and she was a few hand motions away from cumming.
    “Protocol. I am single and must arrive alone.” There was a twinkle in his eyes, and she clutched the mask, stalking out without another word.
    A Genaran woman was leaning against a very elegant skimmer. She jerked upright as Meena came toward her. “You are Kebril’s friend?” Meena wanted to howl in frustration. “I am his fencing partner.”
    The woman smiled and inclined her head.
    “Agheda Merskin.”
    “Meena Colou. I am honoured to meet you.” Agheda looked at her. “Well, you are dressed appropriately, but I can see why Kebril was concerned about your hair. Get in. We have a lot of work to do.”
    Meena settled in the skimmer and looked back toward the palace. She didn’t see him, but she could feel him.
    * * * *
    Kebril watched her go with his cousin. It had taken all his self-control not to take her on the floor of his workroom, but he was trying to make a point. He was hers, and if he had to make her defend her claim, she just might stop trying to put distance between them.
    That one day with her burned in his mind. The feel of her silken heat wrapping him was second only to the trust with which she allowed him free rein to do as he wished. He wanted her under him, over him, with him, and there was only one way to do it.
    She had to claim him.

Chapter Eight
    T he hairstyle was elaborate, and strands of golden pearls that winked against the braids and long, curled locks highlighted it. It was going to take days to sort it out.
    Meena’s makeup had required special care as the makeup artist usually did Genarans and occasionally Nyal. Her skin tone had been hard to match, but the woman was a professional, and Meena knew she had never looked better.
    Sealing the mask over her features completed the outfit, and when she looked at her reflection, she sought any piece of herself that she could find.
    Her eyes and nose were the only bits of Meena that were unchanged. Everything else was simply more.
    Agheda came in and stopped in shock. “Well, I am beginning to see why my cousin wants you to make an entrance. Every male in the place will be after you.”
    Agheda was wearing a glossy burgundy gown that complimented her silvery grey skin and made her red eyes sparkle. Her black hair was highlighted with navy blue pearls that matched the accessories, which wrapped her arms and caressed her neck.
    “We shall make quite the entrance. Come, Meena. We have hearts to break.” Agheda set her navy blue mask on her face, and it made her eyes even brighter.
    They joined hands and walked down the staircase and out into the streets of the capital.
    It was loud, raucous and many males froze in their tracks as they walked down the street toward the governor’s mansion. Apparently, whatever effect Kebril had been trying to achieve, he had been successful.
    Their two-woman parade eventually joined others on their way to the party. Meena realized that there were no couples walking the pavement with them.
    “Agheda, are there