“But you’re only going to be here for a couple of weeks! Then it’s off to Millport!” Millport was the University Marine Biology Station in Scotland.

He smiled at her, but oh, such a tired, bitter grin. She almost wished he hadn’t smiled at all. “Been checking on my schedule, huh? And it’s sooner than that, babe. My project here is finished.”

“Well. I wasn’t sure how long our shit project was going to take, that’s why I checked your schedule.”

He propped his hand on his chin and looked at her for a long moment. Finally, he said, “Go back to sleep. I’m sorry I dumped all that on you. I should have waited until you were feeling better.”

“You shouldn’t have dumped it on me at all.”

Thomas shrugged. “Better get used to hearing it. If I have to think it, you have to hear it.”

Fred, having never been in love before, said crossly, “I don’t think that’s how it goes.”

“Go back to sleep.”

“I’m not tired.”

“Yes you are. You lost a ton of blood in the conference room. You almost ended up in the hospital despite my best efforts.”

“Well. Thanks for that.”

“Finally, a glimmer of gratitude. I may faint.”

“Shut up, I’m still not speaking to you.”

“I know.”

“And I’m not tired,” she said, and while they were arguing about it, she fell asleep.

Chapter Thirty-six

A hand on her, shaking her. Time for school already? Wasn’t it Saturday?

“Rika?”

“Five more minutes,” she groaned. “Little Rika, I will be gone in three.” That was not Moon Bimm. That was—She opened her eyes. Artur was on his knees beside the couch. He was so close strands of his red hair were tickling her face.

“Gone in three?” Why did her brain feel like it had turned to oatmeal? Why was she so tired? Where was everybody? “Why? Where is everybody?”

“Your supervisor and your friend went back to your friend’s domicile many hours ago. Thomas is resting. And I must leave. The king requires a full report.”

“Leaving leaving? Leaving right now?”

“The king calls and I must answer. But I could not leave without seeing how you are. I do profoundly apologize for violating your boundaries—”

“What?”

“Holding you down,” he translated. “But I felt Thomas was right. It was best to remove the metal things from your body. Metal does not belong in bodies. However, doing so against your will was—” He looked away. “Difficult.”

“Oh, yeah. I can see how that must have been so difficult. For you two.” She rubbed her shoulder, which still ached. “Lucky for me I’m not prone to infections.”

“Rika, when you are strong once again, I will return.”

“Why?”

“Because you are my princess meant,” he replied simply.

“What?”