"I'm sorry," Vranphile kept saying, as he walked briskly down the hallways in the direction they had come from, Delilah struggling to keep up alongside of him. He was pointedly not looking her, his eyes focused unwaveringly on the pathway in front of him. He seemed embarassed. "I shouldn't have--"
          "Vranphile," Delilah finally had to reach out and take him by the arm, derailing his train of thought. Vranphile stopped and finally turned to face her, eyes flickering about uncomfortably. It might have been comical, if the situation hadn't been so serious. Delilah cleared her throat, smiling weakly. "It's okay."
          And it really was okay, even if it was hard for her to understand. The fears and the uncertainties of the night before, alone in a stranger's bed, seemed blissfully far away now. Instead, it had been replaced with a gentle buzz, warming her. What is this that I'm feeling?
          "I really shouldnt've said anything," Vranphile murmured, but his voice was softer now, content. "It wasn't my place..."
          "You're funny," Delilah said, trying to keep from blushing. She failed. "I mean, I won't pretend that you didn't shock the hell out of me with your little confession but--" she grinned crookedly up at him, and then grimaced. "Hey, I don't mean it like that--"
          Someone cleared their throat politely. "Excuse me."
          Delilah started badly. She turned around as Vranphile's usual air of regancy sidled securely back into place. "Good afternoon, Lindsay."
          "Is it afternoon already?" the woman said, pulling her arms back into an elegant stretch as she yawned. "I've just woken up."
          "Delilah and I have already indulged in a light lunch just a few hours ago," Vranphile informed, his features lighting up into a practiced smile as he introduced the petite brunette. "I trust you've slept well?"
          "Mm," Lindsay said, nodding. She turned to Delilah with sleepy eyes. "This is the one I've been hearing so much about?"
          Delilah fumbled for the words to speak. Lindsay was absolutely stunning, even half-awake. Wispy butter-blond locks fell across her heart-shaped face, bright blue eyes watching her laughingly. Her pajamas were of a simple design, yet she still managed to wear them better then Delilah wore her evening dress (an extravagant beaded gown she had picked out from one of the many closets herself.) The plunging neckline of her pajamas gave the other woman a generous view as she leaned in for a better look at Delilah's face.
          "H-hello," Delilah started, stumbling over her own words. She didn't know whether she should offer her hand for Lindsay to shake, or what. She stood there awkwardly, contemplating what to do next.
          "You're very pretty," Lindsay observed, more awake now. "Prettier then I would've expected." She turned to Vranphile, eyes glittering like sapphires. "I approve."
          Delilah flushed the color of his suit, and Vranphile allowed a knowing smile. "Isn't she?" he agreed, and for a moment he seemed to drink the brunette's features in admiringly, head tilted slightly to the side.
          "Mm." Lindsay pushed some stray pieces of hair from her face. Her smile had turned impish. "I'll leave you be, then," she said, chewing on her lower lip mischeviously before addressing Vranphile. "My Liege," she said, giving a curt little half-bow as a sign of respect. "Is there anything I can do for you, in the meantime?"
          "Not presently," Vranphile said, and he waved her on. "Go on, now."
          "Send note for me if you need any assistance," Lindsay called over her shoulder, already walking away. She moved to turn left down one of the hallways, paused, and then turned back. "I hope to be seeing more of you soon, Delilah." The woman could have sworn she blew a kiss at her before dissapearing from view completely.