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told
her. “I’ve enjoyed this day more than any other in my life too.
Someday I’ll buy you jewelry worthy of your beautiful neck.” He
offered his arm to Sheela again and they continued on their way as
the vendor followed them out of the stall, insisting they take the
necklace for four silver.
     
    ***
     
    They went through the gate into the garden,
back to the spot where they had started that morning. Frath held
her hands and looked into her eyes. The emotion in them was deep
and filled with meaning that had no words. Sheela understood what
those eyes communicated because her own were telling him similar
things.
    “I’m scared . . . but you can kiss me now .
. .” Sheela whispered.
    Frath didn’t move right away, causing her to
wonder if he would or not. She wasn’t sure which she hoped for
more. Then he put his right hand on her cheek and his left around
her waist. When his lips lightly touched hers, lightning shot
through every nerve in her body.
    It was a short kiss that seemed to last an
eternity at the same time. When it ended, he placed his forehead
against hers for a few moments while she digested the emotions she
was feeling. Once again, Sheela froze during the kiss, but this
time she had been ready and enjoyed it. Wanting to experience more,
she tilted her head up to him.
    He responded by kissing lightly again. This
time she returned the kiss tentatively and liked it even more.
After another, they sat on a nearby bench and talked about the day
at Carnival. One of the servants came out and lit scattered
lanterns in the garden as daylight faded the rest of the way. The
two of them continued to talk, interspersing conversation with the
occasional kiss. Sheela became more and more comfortable with
it.
    After Purla walked by the third time and
coughed in their direction, they stood reluctantly. “Can I visit
you again?” Frath asked hopefully.
    “Yes, I get every third day off like today,”
Sheela responded eagerly. “And you can visit for a few minutes any
other time. Purla says you’re a good man or else she wouldn’t allow
it.”
    “Then I’ll be back next third day and maybe
a few times before then for a kiss . . . If that’s not too
bold.”
    She shook her head vigorously. “I like
kissing now.” To prove her point, she gave him another. Then he
walked down the path to the gate, turning and looking back a few
times with a foolish grin on his face. “Be careful!” she called out
to him, suddenly nervous about him going out into the treacherous
city alone at night.
    When Purla put her arm around Sheela’s
shoulders, she jumped. “He’ll be alright. I’m guessing the two of
you had a good time today?” the matronly woman asked in her kindly
voice. Sheela’s only response was to nod and grin like a fool. “I
thought as much. Will he be visiting again next week?”
    “Yes, on the third day. Can I have it off
again?” Sheela asked hopefully.
    “Of course. You let me know if his day off
changes and we’ll see what we can do,” Purla reassured her, leading
her back to the inn. “You get some rest now if you can. I don’t
want you making mistakes because you’re all doe-eyed,” she
admonished good-naturedly.
    “Yes, Purla,” Sheela agreed seriously. She
picked up her favorite cat, Smokey, who was looking for someone to
let him through the door. Before going inside, Sheela took one last
look over her shoulder, still worried about Frath’s safety.
     
    Chapter
3
     
    Small snowflakes drifted through the crisp
morning air, leaving a dusting of snow covering the ground, but it
wasn’t enough to disturb anyone. Winter was knocking, paying no
heed to the few remaining faded leaves that clung stubbornly to
branches and the dim glow of the sunrise peeked through a break in
the cloud cover.
    Two weeks had passed since Frath had taken
Sheela to Carnival. He smiled happily at the memory of that day in
addition to the three evenings he had been able to make it back for
a few more kisses