"I believe you," I found myself saying, and I knew it was the truth. Granted, I don't know that I would have stopped if I thought she was telling me what I wanted to hear. Men and women did that to one another more times than the number of stars. But in my heart I knew she meant it. Even all these years later, through the complications our relationship brought and the horror we faced, I don't regret a thing. To this day, she is my most treasured companion and confidant. 

We danced like our minds were linked, feet flowing from one step to the other mere inches apart. It wasn't the festive and energetic dance of the night on the Caledonia, nor was it the practiced and methodical ballroom style of the banquet. It was something more slow and intimate. A dance for lovers and secrets and rendevzous' beneath the stars. In fact, somehow we managed to ascend the three steps from the lower den to the dining area. To this day I am surprised we did not stumble on each other, as I found her eyes quite enthralling and hardly glanced beneath her neckline. 

"I'll do my best to protect you as well. Things will be as dangerous as tonight, I have no doubt of that. But we'll work together and watch each other's backs." I said. Granted, I would have done so anyway even without our bashful unspoken declaration of romance, but it sounded more solid now. I felt it more than a duty. "I just need to give you a warning. If we go down this path..." I paused for effect. "You'll occasionally have to deal with the presence of Lazarus." 

She snorted, placing a hand to her nose in embarrassment. I couldn't see why, I found it endearing. I rested my forehead against hers, and she smiled that wicked smile. 

"I can handle myself," she told me. 

"I believe you," I said again breathlessly, half smiling, my lips all but brushing hers.