" Without realizing what she was doing and more on an impulse than anything else, she leaned forward and kissed him. It was a simple, yet firm kiss and she pulled back after only a moment. But it sent a thrill through her. He leaned down for another. But she put her finger on his lips to stop him. " That was my reward to you," she said as they danced. " Don't squander it." " Reward? he asked still seeming both surprised and delighted at this unexpected attention. " What for?" " Why for living, Vaelros. And for doing so much else to help me. I will have you rewarded in state as well. But that was just from me." She saw Vaelros flush and she gave him a brilliant smile. " You don't like my reward?" she asked. " I do!" he replied. " I want only to learn how to earn more." The music was fading. The song was ending. Luthiel stepped back and let her hands drop. " A mysterious thing, my heart," she said. "