“Could be dangerous,” Aradella said, but she meant “embarrassing.”
“Very.” They followed the path that led away from the waterfall.
It was an awkward silence between them and Aradella wanted to break it—and get rid of the unsettling images in her mind. “What can you see or hear or smell now?”
Again, he walked backward, seeming to be grateful for a change of subject. “There are two red birds nesting in that tree. They’re watching us.”
“Do you mean the tree with the purple flowers? TheJacarandamimosifolia?”
He stopped. “My grandfather has one of those trees. He brought seeds back from his trip to Earth. How doyouknow that tree?”
She was afraid to tell him the whole truth. “I have some Earth books.”
He stared at her. “Who gave you those books?”
“I’m a princess,” she said. “I receive many gifts.” She started walking but he wouldn’t let her pass. After several of his back-and-forth steps blocking her, she sighed. “Your father sends me books, and a man named Jobi does. He—”
“I know Jobi well. He trained me with a sword.” Mekos picked up a long stick off the ground and made movements like a sword fight.
Aradella grabbed another stick. “Like this?” She lunged toward him and countered his thrusts. She was as fast as he was and as accurate.
He was staring at her in astonishment. “Where did you—?” he began but then stopped. “Someone is near.” He held his hand out to her and they ran down the narrow path.
When they reached a tall tree, Mekos opened his arms to her.
It took her a moment to know what he meant. “The dance,” she said and he nodded. She went to him, he pulled her close,and they floated upward. He stopped at a tree branch and let go of her to sit down. He went to a branch across from her.
They sat in silence for a few minutes, then Mekos relaxed and leaned back. “It’s gone. I don’t know what it was. I’ve never smelled it before.” He looked at her. “Who trained you with a sword?”
She hesitated. “Hale, my guard.”
“Who knows that you can do that?”
“Just Hale and me.” Her lips were tight as though refusing to tell more.
“I’m not royal but I do know about loyalty. I won’t betray anything you tell me. To prove it, I’ll share a secret about me. I’ve not even told my father this.” He paused. “I am the Reaver.”
“The Reaver? Ah yes, the menace jumping about on rooftops. The Head of Government was quite annoyed. You stole from her.”
“I did,” Mekos said proudly. “I gave the credits to the farmers and I unlocked a steel door so they could get seeds.”
“So I heard,” she said. “Hale told me some gossip. Everyone assumed the Reaver was female, but then the Reaver kissed a girl, and she...” Aradella rubbed her hand over her chin. “She found out thathehad whiskers.”
“Oh?” Mekos said. “She told that? I thought it was between just us.” He changed to a faraway look. “It was a wonderful kiss. The best I’ve ever—” He caught himself. “I mean, it was all right, but I’ve been with many women.”
“I’m sure your father has, but then he’s a truly gorgeous man. All women want him.”
“He can’t see as well as I can or hear. Or smell things.” He sniffed the air. “You had eggs this morning, and—” He stopped. “You’re right. I’m no competition for my father.” He jumped down from the tree, his feet landing lightly, and held up his arms to her. “Jump and I’ll catch you.”
Aradella hesitated only a second, then she fell forward. He easily caught her and set her down.
“Let’s follow this path and see where it leads. Maybe there’s another waterfall.”
“One that’s not occupied,” she said.
Laughing, they ran ahead.
When they heard the gurgle of water, Mekos parted the bushes so they could go through. As soon as he reached a clear area and looked ahead, he stopped. “We should go back.”
