Chapter 45 Hidden Faces Collide 57 +20 Free Coins Facing away from Naomi , Fiona jammed the hat back on and shot Soren a pleading glance . If Naomi discovered her dressed as a man to see him , her reputation alone would be impossible to salvage . The man sat there as unruffled as still water - no hint of alarm . One could imagine him keeping a mistress in open daylight , and his lawful wife would never suspect . " I carried out your orders , " Naomi muttered , her lower lip jutting like a child denied sweets . Soren doted on her , but when his temper rose , she never dared cross him . Soren unfolded the booklet - the handwriting inside was neat , earnest , unmarred by shortcuts -then asked , " Angry , are we ? " " Besides , the snow - viewing party - well , I didn't invite Fiona on purpose . I was afraid she might bump into you up here , so I left her name off the list . " Realizing the matter concerned her , Fiona felt a shy ripple of pleasure . She reminded herself it was merely Soren's way of tightening the net ; once he no longer needed her to find Morgan , the warmth would fade . Soren cast a quick glance at Fiona - still hidden beneath that straw hat - then turned back to Naomi . " Mother taught you never to offend others on purpose . I won't punish you today , but keep this up , and people will say the Zonfrillo daughter bullies the weak . " The reprimand landed like a weighty crown . Naomi's eyes turned glassy with fear for the estate's good name - she had never meant to tarnish it . As she studied her brother's mood , she finally noticed the frail little tutor standing nearby . The newcomer was a diminutive figure swathed in a black scholar's robe , a broad travel hat shadowing half the face . In Naomi's eyes the words sprang unbidden - frail , almost wind- blown . Fiona lowered her head in a practiced bow , then lifted two slender fingers to her throat , the silent gesture of one who owns no voice . " Is he mute ? " Naomi asked , a flicker of pity softening her usual quick temper . Fiona answered with a single , obedient nod . Across the room Soren , calm as winter water a moment ago , let one brow rise in languid amusement . He offered no explanation , content to watch the small storm gather . 1/3 - 14:47 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 45 Hidden Faces Collide : 57 +20 Free Coins A prickle of resentment stirred inside Fiona . If she was discovered , the blame would land squarely on her shoulders - never on the untroubled lord who now treated the moment as light entertainment . Naomi tried again , her tone civil but curious . " Are you Soren's servant ? " Fiona shook her head . Kneeling at the edge of the writing desk , she took up a vanishing ink stick , ground it with slow , meticulous grace , and when the ink turned satin - smooth , she brushed a neat line across the parchment : I am Salem of the Fragrant Pavilion . Soren glanced at the words . The corner of his mouth pulled in a faint , dry curl that might have been a laugh . " Salem of the Fragrant Pavilion - isn't that ... " The ugly phrase - courtesan - stalled on Naomi's tongue . She shot her brother a furious look , stamping a slippered foot . How could Soren let someone like this ensnare him ? " Shameless woman ! You dare bring your schemes into the Zonfrillo Estate . " Anger sharpened Naomi's voice . Fiona slid two steps backward and slipped behind Soren's rangy frame . Both palms lighted on his arm as though he were a fortress she had every right to claim . Soren made no move to shrug her off . To Naomi , the scene conjured the infamous temptress of legends , a delicate viper who ruined proper men . Soren's indulgence only proved , in her mind , how blind lust could render a man foolish . If he wished to sit back and enjoy the spectacle , Fiona would gladly drag him onto the stage . She still needed his help to find the Divine Doctor ; until then , he could hardly abandon her . Soren prided himself on disdaining easy beauty , yet memories of that fever - bright dream returned - her limbs entangled with his , her breath catching against his ear , helpless sounds that begged and surrendered . Heat smoldered without permission . Before he knew it , his body angled itself between Fiona and the room , shoulders squared , sheltering her completely . The realization cooled him at once . A clipped chill settled over his features , as though he might sever whatever invisible thread had just tightened around him. " Soren , how can you defend a charlatan like her ? I'm telling Mother ! " Naomi's voice quivered with outrage . She refused even one more glance , flung the door wide , and vanished down the corridor in a swirl of silk . 2/3 14:47 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 45 Hidden Faces Collide な 57 +20 Free Coins Fiona let go of Soren's sleeve , smoothed her robe , and spoke at last . " You were the one who declined to speak up for me . In our current predicament , we ought to do each other small favors . " She had , after all , praised him generously in Zephyr's presence . Soren massaged his temples , irritation leaking into his tone . " Go back . " Fiona paused , then nodded , wholly unruffled . Naomi's temper would cool once Soren explained - of that she felt certain . Had it been otherwise , she would never have dared play so close to the edge . Soren added , " For the next few days , I will be away from Frostenden Mountain . There's no need for you to visit ." A woman's sixth sense can arrive without warning . The words pricked Fiona's heart with sudden clarity : his errands were an excuse . What he truly wanted was for her not to come again . Is he bristling simply because I teased Naomi earlier ? Soren , she decided , was a man who could jest with others yet refused to be the butt of any joke . Had he stepped in instead of letting Naomi question her , none of this awkwardness would exist . " If Lord Soren preferred I stay away , I would certainly have obliged , " Fiona answered with a courteous smile . The matter touched no greater purpose , and anger , to her mind , was far too precious to squander . 3/