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“Agreed. But I cannot and will not ignore a direct order from Sirena Vivian.”

Au'revele watched him for a moment, not quite sure what she should say, then she realized if she just went to her quarters, he’d go back to Vivian. “Well, then, let’s get me home as soon as possible so you can return to our Sirena.”

“That’s unacceptable,” Zahn said.

“Why is that unacceptable?” Au'revele asked.

“Sirena Vivian told you to get something to eat. So, you’re going to eat. Then you’re going home to get some rest. I will see that you are safe in both those things.”

Au'revele descended two more stairs, then turned to look up at him. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“I do.”

Au'revele shook her head a little and started down the stairs again. “I’m sorry that you have to look after me.”

“Why are you sorry?”

“Because I know you dislike me. Greatly.”

“Why would you think I dislike you?” he demanded, his tone indicating he was offended that she would think that.

“Are you serious?” she asked.

“Very,” he said, taking the stairs a couple at a time to get in front of her so he could look her in the eye.

Au'revele opened her mouth to answer, then changed her mind and just sidestepped him to continue down the stairs.

“I would like an answer,” Zahn said, following along behind her once more.

“Does it matter, Zahn?” she asked, not looking back him.

He reached out and took hold of her arm from behind, stopping her and turning her to look at him. “It does. Who has told you these lies?”

“No one has had to tell me anything. It’s apparent.”

“In what way?!” he demanded.

“In the way that you scowl each time your gaze happens to meet mine. In the way that you snarl and growl whenever I’m nearby. In the way that you angrily leave any room I’m in that you aren’t required to be in. I’m sure that if you could, you’d convince the Sirena to send me back to Eschina so that you’d never have to see me again.”

“Those are all lies. I have never said any of those things.”

“You don’t have to say them, Zahn. Actions are more indicative of your thoughts and emotions than words are. Anyone can speak any word at all. It’s the behavior behind the words that tells the story.” She turned and walked away fromhim, making her way to the dining room to eat, just as Vivian had asked her to do.

Zahn, shocked into silence, simply followed along behind her.

She walked into the dining room, pretending that Zahn wasn’t behind her. She chose a table and sat down, perturbed that Zahn took a seat at the same table.

Au'revele met his gaze, then simply looked away. The one thing he was to a fault was loyal to Vivian, so she knew he wouldn’t go away until he’d seen the task she’d given him completed.

“Good afternoon,” one of the staff members assigned to the dining room said as he approached the table. “Is there anything in particular you’d like to eat or drink, or should I bring you the main meal we’ve prepared for the day?”

“Whatever you’ve prepared will do nicely. And I’d like a cup of Litah, if you have it available, please,” Au'revele asked.

“Of course, miss. And you sir?”

“I’ll have the same. Only I’d like whatever juice you have freshly prepared.”

“I’ll only be a moment,” the male said, smiling at Au'revele once more before he left.

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