A kiss for luck, demoiselle?" It is a magnificent, lusty kiss and I feel nothing but deep regret that it may be his last. Just before he pulls away, he whispers in my ear. "Duval said to give you that should I get a chance. It is from him.

He smiles then, and even though it is well past midnight, its as if the sun has just come out.

Whenever you are ready, or if you never are, my heart is yours.

If he is smart, he will run. He is not.

... then he offers me his arm. As I take it, I wonder what folly decreed that women cannot walk unassisted.

The maids in my village talked of falling in love with a man at first sight. That has always seemed naught but foolishness to me. Until I enter Sister Serafina's workshop. It is unlike anything I have ever seen, full of strange sights and smells, and I tumble headlong into love.

He barks out a laugh. "My little rebel.