She affirmed his obvious assertion as she assessed whether or not he was worthy of the word as well, a smile stretching across her lips to indicate as much. His amber eyes followed her nose as she traced the water again, a motion meant to tease him as much taunt him, daring him to come closer. She dangled the good fortune of this opportunity before him like a prize that only she could bestow, and she presented it so beautifully that Maslakhat knew it came with strings attached. Perfection, in truth, was an illusion—only achieved by those who were capable of constructing it in such a way that an untrained eye might not see how it was bound together. It was gorgeous none the less, and the golden bay Akhal-Teke still enjoyed the picture painted before him; he was simply aware and experienced enough to step over the tripwires that lay low at his feet.
“Some would,” he agreed, undoubtedly imagining all those that this chestnut minx had ensnared with her wiles. “I prefer to make my own luck,” he added with his own provocative tilt as he strode deliberately along the bank, keeping each of his steps slow and intentional as he fastened his hooded gaze upon her.
Maslakhat stopped, ever so slightly closer, enough to suggest that he was more than willing to move in step with her, but a dance partner was just that—a partner. The golden bay ‘Teke was not the sort to lord over those who were of equal worth and standing—any of those who shared the Dunes with him were fitting partners, and he took care ensure they were set up for whatever success meant for them—so long as they stayed true to the reality of their value. There was no room for self-doubt, and he knew that this fire-red woman had a level of potential that was worth exploring. Still, he knew better than to bestow all of the riches he possessed upon her at first glance. After all, trust was never earned in a single instance.
MASLAKHAT
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