“Looks like you got it!”A sound I know is a laugh squeaks from Baldar. “Although I do question your choices on marking that one.”
I shoot Baldar a questioning look, choosing not to voice what he said aloud.
“Ah, a lot to learn indeed.”Is the demoni ferret’s only answer before he skitters back up my body.
I will need to figure out how to file his nails.I think to myself cringing again at the sharp sting of them as he races across my shoulders. Baldar huffs in what I can only assume to be a response to my thought.
“I have traveled a long way, goodnight Alaceandra.”He curls up on one of my shoulders and before I can think to ask him another question, soft snoring sounds from the place he is laying.
“He, um… looks to be asleep,” I say to the prince.
“What did he say to you?” The prince advances on me, his voice filled with anger and authority.
I take a step back. "Only that he was here to teach me.” Baldar does not stir.
“Teach. You. What?” The prince looked on edge, his gaze tearing me apart with its scrutiny.
I hesitate. “He did not tell me anything else! He said he was here to teach me and to protect me- that is it.”
“From what?”
“Something about half dead things, nothing specific, now can you back off?” I place a hand against his chest and try and gain distance. His hand captures mine and he takes a breath, before his shoulders sag.
“You are not telling the whole truth.” I try to pull away, but his grip tightens. “I will excuse it for now, Alaceandra, but you will tell me. I promise it.” He releases me. “We must sleep. Leave the rodent on the chair.”
I huff. “He is not a rodent.” I make my way over to the chair intent to sleep there as well. Shame and embarrassment have started to cover the memory of our earlier activities, and I was not sure if I would be able to be in such close proximity to him after my slip up. I close my eyes and try to adjust to the feeling of the springs of the chair digging into my hip.This is not comfortable... but I guess better than rock.I close my eyes.
I feel his eyes on me. “What are you doing?” He sounds a little amused.
I peek up at him. “Trying to sleep.”
He sighs before he walks over to me and takes Baldar, gently this time, from my shoulder and places him on the arm of the chair. My eyes shoot open.
“What are you-” before I can finish my sentence, he hoists me from the chair and carries me to the bedroom. I flail around before being dropped unceremoniously on the bed.
“Sleep here.”
“I am not going to share a bed with you.”
He rolls his eyes. “What are you on about now?” He raises his brow.
My cheeks heat with embarrassment and anger.
“Alaceandra,” he says firmly. “I am tired. You are tired. We need rest. I am sure there is a lot of bullshit ahead of us and I will not be responsible for your death on account of your stubbornness.”
I grit my teeth. “Why does that mean we must share a bed? I would be perfectly fine sleeping in the other room or even on the floor.”
“That is ridiculous.”
“Why is that?”
“Why would I allow you to sleep in discomfort when there is a perfectly good bed in this room?”
“Well, why would you not—”
“What is going on here? Because before that—”
I give him a look.
