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“I never said a word to you that wasn’t heartfelt. But I couldn’t get a communication through to you without everyone in any position of power on Cruestace knowing, and I didn’t know if you wanted that.”

She curled her fingers around his, the warmth of her hands seeping into his. “Perhaps we should have spent a little more time talking of what we did and didn’t expect.”

Bart grinned at her. “Without a doubt.”

“Maybe we can find a little time to spend together.”

“I will make time. You tell me when you’re available and I’ll make sure that I’m available, too.”

She smiled up at him. “I may not always have advance notice. I’m overseeing Eula’s quarters and staff as well as our Sirena’s if she’ll allow it.”

“I’ll be staying here. I’m in the bedroom closest to the downstairs kitchen. Feel free to visit me here any time you please. You do not need advance notice. Just come. If it’s during the day, we can venture out. If it’s not, then we’ll share a litah here, or maybe just talk.”

Bart moved even closer to her and lifted a hand to cup her cheek as he leaned his head nearer hers, giving her time to pull away if she wanted to.

But she didn’t want to. Instead, she leaned into his kiss, into his warmth and eagerly pressed her lips to his.

Lost in kissing the female he’d thought about nonstop since the last time he’d been on Cruestace, he wrapped an arm around her and pressed her body closer to his as he caressed her face and kissed her slowly, passionately.

A throat cleared.

Bart just barely managed to pull his lips away from hers and opened his dazed eyes to see who dared to interrupt their private moment.

“Quin,” he said.

Mirilla turned around and immediately dropped her gaze to the floor. “Sire.”

“Bart. Mirilla.”

“Forgive me, Sire. Your mother sent a message to Sirena Vivian and I was attempting to deliver it,” she stammered.

Quin laughed. “I’m fairly certain that’s not Vivi, and nothing I just saw had to do with a message from my mother.”

“Mirilla and I know each other from the last time I was here,” Bart said.

“I would hope so,” Quin said.

“Definitely. And you’ll be seeing a lot more of me now that I know she feels the same as I do,” Bart explained.

“So, this is the female you met and avoided telling us about,” Quin said.

“Yes,” Bart said, proudly, placing an arm around Mirilla’s shoulders and presenting a unified front.

Quin grinned. “I couldn’t be happier. I’m happy for you both.”

“You are?” Mirilla asked, shocked.

“Why wouldn’t I be. You are a kind, caring, honest female. Bart is my Ehlealah’s family. I wish only the best for you both.”

“I thought… it’s not… those employed by the palace do not fraternize with dignitaries.”

“Not as a habit, no. But times are evolving, Mirilla. And he’s not a dignitary. He’s family. Does anyone know where my Ehlealah is?” he asked, shifting his attention to what he really wanted to know.

“I haven’t seen her. When I got back from my meeting, no one was here but me.”

Quin touched his ear. “Where are you?” he asked. He listened for a moment, then nodded.

“What did she say?” Bart asked when Quin started up the stairs.

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