Forty-Four

Jaron woke with the light of the triple suns. His head ached, though he hadn’t drunk a drop. Dancing with Alexis was his only memory. He could still hear the soft rustle of her gown and smell the lilac perfume of her unbound hair. She had grown several inches taller in addition to her curves. Alexis had definitely grown into her womanhood, not only in looks but also mentally. Her eyes had been as bright and deep as he remembered, making him wish to take her out into the night and see the starlight shine in them. But he couldn’t risk getting too close or staying too long. Alexis had already come too close to guessing. Jaron couldn’t help but grin. She was too smart. He couldn’t risk seeing her again, especially after the nobles he rescued joined the ball. By now, they had told their sto