Author's Notes: Hello, everyone! I just want to say thank you for all of the reviews and feedback; I really appreciate it. I'm also glad to see so many people still reading this story. With that, I hope you enjoy this next set!
-x-x-
Ache
Sanjay lingered at the window, looking out even after Rio disappeared from view.
His heart ached. He knew he'd upset her. Though she'd covered it with excuses, the sight of her creased brow and the tears at her eyes spoke a universal truth. He'd wanted to run after her to apologize, to ask what he'd done wrong, to finally understand what he'd been missing.
But Amir had asked him to stay, and he couldn't hurt the prince further, especially after that morning.
Then he remembered – the book!
Just as he reached the stairs, however, he heard the door slide open.
-x-x-
The Return
This time it was the prince.
Amir strode inside and stomped his boots free of snow on the entryway mat. His expression, though still sad, was calmer, rather than the careful aloofness it had been earlier. Even so, he seemed deep in thought, unaware of his surroundings.
Sanjay gently stepped closer. "Master Amir?"
Amir started at that. "Sanjay?" he said. "You needn't have stayed in the foyer all this time."
Sanjay glanced away, uncertain if he should mention Rio.
But it was unnecessary, as Amir caught sight of the small puddle of melted snow she'd left. "Did someone just visit?"
-x-x-
Obvious, Oblivious
"She what?" Amir demanded, his eyes wide.
Sanjay twisted his fingers, his breath tight in his chest. "I didn't know what to say," he replied. "I never wear rings. I couldn't imagine why she showed me such a thing."
"You couldn't-" But Amir suddenly groaned and shook his head. "Of course not. You've been so busy serving me, you've had little time to learn about the town." He released a deep sigh. "This is my fault. I should've told you."
Sanjay frowned. "Master Amir, please-"
Amir took him by the shoulders. "Sanjay, listen," he said. "I think Rio loves you."