Chapter 33

Yaru politely coughed before stepping forward.

“I know you're very good at what you do, and I hate to rush an expert, but Auralia has other engagements to get to as soon as possible. Perhaps we should move on to somewhere where you can begin?”

Rick didn't reply, merely looking at Yaru as if he was a fly on his dessert.

“I don't think we should rush, Yaru,” I replied. “I'm sure the colonel won't take longer than necessary.”

I tried to give him a small smile, to show I was going to defer to his judgement. Anything that might get him to relax. The corners of his mouth twitched up, but he still didn't move.

“My dojo is this way. You may come with me and try to learn something. Yaru, I must insist you wait here.”

“But—” Yaru moved forward again, but Rick quickly raised an arm, cutting my mentor off.

“Edward will accompany her if you must have someone as her chaperone, but otherwise I will have no one else in my dojo while I train the courtesan.”

Yaru bowed his assent to the demands, but I c