“Well, I do look forward to speaking with you again soon, once all of the Representatives have arrived.” She meant those words this time—noting that many of the other times she hadn’t meant them quite as enthusiastically.
“Yes, I look forward to it as well, and might I say, you have lovely eyes.”
Kit raised her eyebrows. It was the first compliment she’d received from any of the delegates, and she appreciated it. This man seemed to see her as a person, rather than just a prize to be won. “Why, thank you, Jaterius.”
“You may call me Jate if you’d like. All of my family and friends do.”
“Jate? I like that very much.” She leaned in closely, lowering her voice so that her mother might not hear. “All of my friends call me Kit. When we are together, you may certainly call me by my nickname a
