"What was… What was that about?" Lavie poked her head out from under the vanship to glance at Claus.
"No idea," she said, and shrugged. He sighed.
"They were saying that the Guilder was talking to the captain."
"So?"
"I'm worried."
"Why?"
"What if they're trying to take Al away?" Lavi sighed and looked at him.
"Claus, everyone is trying to take Al away."
"I know, but…"
"Forget about it, Claus."
"Fine…"
"Well, now. How very interesting. Adonis?"
"Maestro."
"Did he give a specific amount of time he requested for?"
"No, Maestro."
"Hmm. How long, do you think? Three days? Four?"
"Whatever you like, Maestro." Delphine smiled at his words.
"Well, let's see." She turned around and her grin widened.
"What do you think, dear? Three days or four?" There was a pause, and then a hoarse, soft voice replied slowly,
"Whatever pleases you… Maestro…" Delphine nodded.
"Four days, then!" she declared, "It will be fun to see what Alex Rowe will do. A pleasure indeed, no, dear?"
"If it pleases you, Maestro…" Delphine laughed.
"Oh, it does, my dear, very much!"
"How…" Alex's words trailed off, "How dare she…" He had never seen himself this upset. As he gazed out the window of his quarters, and angry reflection glared back at him. It was startling, almost, to see so much emotion on his face.
Almost.
In his anger, he whirled around and lifted the message. He stared at it for a hot moment, resisting the urge to crumple it in his hand, then he let it drift back down to his desk, sighing.
"How dare she lie to me," he whispered softly, "Lies…"