“Yeah, like I am going to wait that long.”

Leska nodded. “Patience is not your virtue.”

Vinul chuckled. “In that case, we will be on our way.”

Sarel snorted. “Gets one girl to come on his fingers and he gets bossy.”

Leska felt her cheeks heating. Sarel kissed her cheek. “Come on, sweet. Let’s go home.”

She stared at his gorgeous face; there was nothing more reasonable at that moment than to say, “Okay.”

Leska was wrapped in shadow, and then they disappeared. She smelled the ocean, but everything was dark. She hated the dark.

“Look up, Leska,” Vinul murmured.

She looked up, and stars were everywhere. Thick bands of light studded with stars were above her. Her breathing eased, and lights flicked on around them. She sighed. “I should have mentioned that I still sleep with a night light.”

“They left you in the dark.”

“They left me in the dark.” She sighed and leaned back against him.

He smoothed a hand over her hair.

“Dude, that smells like me. Wash your hands.”

They were on a polished wood deck that had a jagged cliff below it. The ocean was beyond that and stretched forever. It didn’t feel as hot as she thought it would. She thought the air would be warmer.

“Where did Sarel go?”

“Probably to warn the staff that you are here.”

“Is that an issue?”

“Nope. He’s in charge, after all.”

“I hate to ask, but can I get some food somewhere? I have been trapped outside since we were summoned to Salat’s this morning.”

He frowned. “How often do you eat?”

“Twice a day. Three if at work.”

“Let’s go find you something. I don’t want you fainting at a delicate moment.”

He set her on her feet, and she felt the smooth wood against her soles. He held her hand and walked with her through the house, toward a kitchen, if the warm smells were anything to go by.

Sarel was in the kitchen, stocking a tray with items and dodging his staff as they cooked. He looked up. “Oh, good. I wasn’t sure she would mention that she was hungry.”

Leska smiled. “I try to keep my own needs under control.”

Sarel chuckled. “I try and cater to mine, but I let them go now and then. Dinner will be in two hours, but this should be a good start for you.”

She smiled. “Thank you, Sarel.”

“My pleasure. Eventually. Come on.” He winked and led the way back to where they had come from.

There was a low table and some cushions arranged on the deck. Now that the light was on, it was a very inviting space.

Sarel set the tray down and took her hand. “Come on. You are taller than most of the females I am set for, but I have some clothing that can probably fit.”