"You are good at all your disciplines, Slave Francine. You will excel and earn much cash for our Great Mistress - blessings be upon her!" Blessings be...upon her!" she had replied automatically and prepared to sleep in discomfort and dirt. To think she had once thought this man evil-smelling! Her own stench easily outdid his. Her opponent in the arena would most lilely faint before she got within ten yards of her! She was to learn that all Fighting Slaves stank to high heaven and she was a lot. I thought the doctor was your friend, Elijah?”I shrugged. “We have not seen each other for years. Friendships wither and die over time.”“And it seems his wife also has no love for you. A discarded mistress perhaps?”“I scarce remember the girl.” My somewhat dismissive answers to her questions were made in order to play along with the Armityge’s plan, whatever it was.Eloise frowned. “The letter asks for permission to meet me, which I am minded to grant and in a week or two will send someone to. "She sighed exasperatedly and sat back laughing.She was right, it was bloody cold, especially when I hadn't anything on my feet, so I was back in the cottage in less than a minute, clutching the tape and teeth chattering merrily.She'd put more coal on the fire though and the dull glow was fast becoming an inferno, spreading its warmth to every corner of the room.The other bottle of champagne was on the table or rather most of it was, the rest of it being in our freshly charged glasses."Ready?". Rani: Hii Anand…How was your journey?Me: Well…I was tired when I came in.. But this young lady here gave me a delicious coffee and a tasty company so that I am rejuvenated again.Priya smiled blissfully and Rani laughed.Rani: Oh is it…Priya? Anand never falls for anything that fast. That’s so impressive.We chitchatted for some time. Priya was so open and she spoke very boldly. Rani occasionally gave me some killing sensual looks and I smiled whenever I got one of them.We ate dinner together. Me.