"Yes. Yes, of course." He composed himself and shook himself together. He pulled his lover into his arms and buried his nose in her silky hair, feeling so right, and so amazingly safe with her in his arms. "Did they know you sneaked out?"
Anastasia laughed in a seductive giggle.
"Of course not. I am always very careful, Alexander. I will never get caught." She hopped out of his arms, much to his disappointment, and did a little dance in front of him, twirling her robes and spinning on the spot. He smiled in spite of himself.
"Come on, walk with me, Alexander. You look so sad today. Is anything wrong?" She frowned prettily. She held his hands and raised them to her lips. "You know you can tell me."
He sighed at the touch of her full red lips against his hand, and tugged her close. "Oh,
