Page 104 of Alien Burn

“Yes.”

She pulled away. “I could, if you wanted, throw it in the leaves.”

He chuckled. “Maybe next time.”

He stood, then waited while she collected the little bag she had brought out with her comm and room key.

“Breakfast?” he asked.

“With you?”

“That was my hope.”

She smiled.

“If work changes it, I'll let you know,” he said. “But I would like to try.”

“So would I.”

They walked back together, close enough for their hands to find each other again before they reached the main path.

Her room was still quiet when she returned.

Sereya set down the bag. Closed the door. Turned the lock herself.

The bed stood beneath a window with adjustable shutters. A glass of water waited beside it. In the cupboard hung only her things, few as they were.

She crossed to the washstand and looked at her reflection.

There was nothing on her face to announce what she had done. No mark on her mouth. No visible warning that she had sat in a garden and handed over a memory she had kept for herself, then kissed a male because she liked the way he looked at her.

She touched her lips anyway.

Her comm sounded.

For one foolish moment she expected him.

Roemary's name appeared.

I trust the new arrangements are satisfactory. We need to talk before you become too comfortable with them.

Sereya read it twice.

Her skin cooled. There it was again: the reminder that comfort was temporary, permitted only until Roemary decided otherwise.

For a moment she could hear herself answering. Of course. When would you like me to come? Shall I bring anything?

She sat on the bed instead.

She sent a copy to Dhomhes, with a short message saying she was in her room and hadn't replied. Then she set the comm beside the glass of water.

His response came a few minutes later.

You don't need to see her alone. If she comes to your door, call the guard.

A second message followed.

I enjoyed the garden. All of it.