Tancred was shocked, suprised, baffled. He felt numb, as if the life just oozed out of him. This was so unlike Emma. A minute ago, they had stood apart from one another, talkng innocently; a moment later, her mouth was against his and he had stood there dumb. Why hadn't he reacted? He'd waited for this moment...he wanted so badly for it to happen, but when it did...he couldn't think, couldn't react. He remembered her face as she pulled away, scarlet and glowing. She was embarrassed, she thought he didn't feel for her at all. If only he could've done what he thought of doing a hundred times in the King's Room.
"Emma, I..." he practiced under his breath as he made for the art class, to catch her before Lunch. "I just wanted to say I'm sorry...no, that sounds stupid. Emma...I LOVE you! No, that's just scary!" he sighed painfully, and wore an expression as if he were going to his execution. Suddenly he was there, staring blankly at the Art Room door. He just stood there, dreading what she might say to him. Maybe she didn't like him at all, maybe it was a joke or a dare...no, Emma wouldn't let herself be dared into something like that. The only reason left...no, it would be too much to hope for. Nevertheless, with a huge sigh, he opened the door.
"Yes?" asked Mr. Boldova, glancing over at Tancred.
"M-message for Emma Tolly," Tancred mumbled, wishing to sink into the floor.
"Alright, alright. Deliver it, and go."
"She's to report to the King's Room, sir." In truth, there was no such message. Tancred had been so upset about possibly losing his only chance with Emma, he had told his teacher he was sick (which wasn't a lie...he felt like he was about to hurl). Emma looked up from her painting, and saw Tancred, who did not dare look at her.
"Oh, very well!" said the teacher crossly, "Take Tolly and go...!" he muttered several choice words under his breath. He didn't like to be interrupted while he was working on his art. Emma got up, and awkwardly followed Tancred out of the room. Tancred went a few paces down the corridor and stopped. He looked at Emma.
"I'm sorry."