“Why yes, it is. You have a good eye,” he replied.
“Few can perfect the Clovis cut. An Artisan of great talent must have created that piece. A rare find, even for an Emperor. Could I…?” Kalla paused, lowering her gaze. She was aware that Vander had completed his circuit of the courtyard and stopped behind her, still in conversation with the Admiral.
“Yes? Can you…?” Sykes prompted. She shook her head.
“Forgive me, Your Grace. It would be inappropriate of me to ask.”
“Ask,” he said gently.
“I merely wished to know if I might have a closer look.”
“But of course. That is an easy enough request,” he replied, slipping the ring off his finger and holding it out to her. She reached out shyly to take it from him.
“Thank you for your indulgence, Your Grace,” she said as he carefully placed t
