Then Cassius's expression turned playful again.
"But I have to admit, Commander—I'm a little disappointed."
Ragnora stiffened. "Disappointed? Why?"
"I thought you were a fellow enthusiast. A true collector. But I've been looking around your home, and..." He gestured at the visible bookshelves. "All I see are books on strategy, military tactics, and warfare. Not a single romance novel in sight."
Ragnora's eyes narrowed. "What exactly are you implying?"
"I'm saying that maybe you're not as dedicated as I thought."
Cassius's tone was light, but his eyes gleamed with mischief.
"A true romance reader—a genuine, dedicated enthusiast would have at least a small library. A shelf or two, at minimum. But you seem to have nothing."
"So, I'm sorry, Commander, but I simply cannot accept you into the fellowship of romance readers without proper documentation."
The bait was obvious. But Ragnora found herself rising to it anyway.
