“Uh-huh. And who’s the lucky guy?”

“Holgarth.”

“Why?” He waved his question away. “Never mind. I get it. Everyone in the castle will high-five your choice.”

“It won’t really hurt him. In fact, a little bit of love and lust will do him good. Make him more human. Maybe.” She pulled out her cell and called Holgarth. After enduring his usual sarcastic comments, Cinn finally got the wizard to agree to tell Asima her presence was requested in the greenhouse.

“Now we wait.” Cinn plopped back down onto the cot. “After I do my test, I’ll have to get someone who isn’t named Wade to guard the plants. I need to shower, eat, and bang my head against a wall for a while.” She wasn’t stupid enough to suggest that Dacian stay in the greenhouse while she ate and showered. No way was she going to let Airmid catch her alone again. And what was she going to do about the goddess and her righteous wrath?

“I understand I’m needed here. I hope this is important. I was dining when Holgarth interrupted me to deliver your message. And dining well, I might add. Sparkle would like me to catch mice for my dinner, but sautéed mouse is too bland for my palate. Beluga caviar is much tastier.” Asima moved with the natural lithe grace of her species. She wrapped her body around Dacian’s leg and pointedly ignored Cinn.

That was just fine with Cinn. “I need you to help me with an experiment.”

“What kind of experiment?” Asima was no dummy. She sounded suspicious.

“Well, I know you want to redeem yourself after what almost happened to Vince.” Cinn would try the sweet approach.

Asima blinked. “Why would I want to do that? I was only following the orders of my goddess. That’s what I’m supposed to do. In fact, Bast is furious with me for ruining Airmid’s plans.”

Okay, sweet wasn’t working. She’d appeal to Asima’s ego. “I need someone with a strong will, someone who won’t allow herself to become distracted by another’s obsession.”

“I never obsess over anything.” The cat paused to consider her words. “Although I do admit to being very fond of certain operas. I suppose that is a kind of obsession.”

“Yes, well, I need someone who can touch one of my plants and remain unaffected by the touch.”

“And what is the expected reaction?” Asima wasn’t walking into anything blind.

Dacian had heard enough. “Let’s stop beating around the bush.” He grinned. “Literally. Cinn thinks that when someone touches her little rosebush and then touches someone else, the touchee becomes fixated on the toucher. Sort of like a love-slave type thing.”

“That is ridiculous.”

Cinn could see the interest in her eyes, though.

“But I’m willing to participate in the name of scientific advancement.”

“In other words, you’re curious.” Cinn wasn’t fooled.