The door closed behind them with a soft click. Light from
the setting sun cast long shadows on everything in Alek’s room, much like
wormlamps did, but in bright oranges and yellows, not green.
But Deryn wasn’t focused on any of that.
She reached for her prince’s hand, feeling his fingers slide
into her like pieces in a puzzle. “Finally,” Deryn whispered, “Some time to
ourselves.”
“Mmhmm,” Alek agreed, studying her features in the dim
light. She pulled him in close, leaning in for the kiss she’d been wanting for
days. The curve of his lips fit on her with a sort of—
“Aleksander!” Volger’s voice called from the hall. Alek pulled
back with a start, face pale.
“Mr. Sharp?” Deryn could hear Dr. Barlow at the door to her
room, to the left of Alek’s.
“Blisters!” she cursed, searching frantically for an escape
route before the count could come barging in. She rushed silently to the
balcony, judging the distance between Alek’s and hers.
“They’re like our parents,” Alek groaned, following her. He
bit his lip when he realized her plan, but didn’t say anything. He knew by now
she could make the jump, easy.
Deryn turned to face him, surprised. “Parents? Barking
annoying ones, then.” She climbed up onto the solid stone banister, holding out
her arms for balance.
“Very much so,” Alek said from behind her. “You can have
them,” he added with a wicked grin.
Deryn shook her head and leaned down to give him a quick
kiss, and then leaped quickly over the open space and on to the safety of her
own balcony. Her feet connected with the ground in a solid thump, and she
turned to give her prince one last, fleeting glance “Dummkopf,” was all she said.
As she raced to open the door for Dr. Barlow, she heard him
call softly, “Love you, too!” and smiled.
Tada! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please bring them to my attention.
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