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“Let’s hope it’s soon,” Quin said. “And not to change the subject, but I believe that Mirilla and Bart are at odds with each other.”

“I thought I picked up on something, too!” Vivian exclaimed. “I wonder if they’ve had a falling out or something.”

“She smells like Bart.”

“Does he smell like her?” Vivian asked.

“I’m not sure. I’ve never paid much attention to the way she smells. But I know Bart’s scent and I was surprised to see them at odds after realizing she smells like him.”

“Well, obviously they care. You aren’t usually caught in the middle of an emotional issue if there aren’t emotions involved.”

“I detected lies from both Samuel and Bart when they said she kept them calm and reassured about you and Alexandrus all night.”

“So, where was she, then?” Vivian asked.

“I have no idea. But at some point I have no doubt she was with Bart. Something happened since then, or maybe while they were together that has caused a rift between them.”

“I wish I knew what was going on,” Vivian said.

“I’m sure they’ll work it out, or not. Either way we have no part in it.”

“I hope they work it out. He seemed so happy with her yesterday,” Vivian said.

“He did. I will admit that.”

Vivian relaxed into her pillows and closed her eyes. “Can I hold him?” she asked without opening her eyes.

“Of course,” Quin said, laying the baby on her chest where he immediately snuggled against his mother.

“He’s perfect, isn’t he?” Vivian said.

“He is the most perfect,” Quin agreed as he pulled the bassinet closer, then lay down on the bed beside Vivian. “When you’re ready for me to put him in his bed, let me know.”

“I love you,” she whispered as he lay beside her and placed an arm around her and Alexandrus.

“I love you,” he answered, kissing her head as he started to relax since the first moment he realized he had to hurriedly get her to medical the night before.

Chapter 15

Au'revele moved calmly through the corridors of the third floor of the palace. As she reached the stairs she paused for a moment to look out over the expanse of the great room with all its floors, sweeping staircase, and the balconies looking over each level into the great room below.

“It is beautiful,” Zahn said.

She turned to look at Zahn who’d unexpectedly turned up behind her. “It is,” she said, her entire posture changing before she started down the stairs. To her surprise he kept up with her, almost as though they were together.

On the second landing, she turned to look at him. “Have I forgotten something?” she asked.

“Not that I’m aware of,” Zahn said.

“Then why are you shadowing me?”

“I’ve been assigned to get you home safely.”

Au'revele nodded, understanding dawning on her. “The Sirena…”

Zahn flashed her a quick, tight smile that could have been interpreted as a smirk.

“You don’t have to do that. I’m sure I’m safe; we are in the palace after all.”

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