There are some women who like to be subserviant. And then, there is Iraiya. Iraiya was bade to serve them, and when each plate was graced with something and every teacup was filled, she came to Ladrei’s side and sat on her knees. She was given quiet and warm commendation for the preparations she made in their guests’ honour, was grazed beneath her chin, was cooed at by her master, was fed and kissed, and she eagerly awaited her next command. Kai Linaa smiled at their odd association. To her, Iraiya seemed more of a pet than a glorified guildlord’s mate. The silver collar around her neck and the mere cape of lace in which she was made to prance about was a confirmation of such an ownership, but where Kai Linaa had understood their loving bond, Unghaahi had misconstrued it. The terrified look on her mate’s face proved that he had mistaken her for a slave. Kai Linaa placed her hand on Unghaahi’s...