"Does getting shot hurt much?" she asked.

"Like a mule kicked me."

"Hmm. I've never been daft enough to let that happen."

"Nor have I." Alek smiled weakly. "But it feels about right."

Deryn just stood there fearing what would happen to her friend, the one she trusted with her secret, the only one that knew her secret. What would she do when he was gone? Who would she confide in? Deryn found herself sitting down on the bed next to him, taking his hand. They both looked away, embarrassed, but holding each other's hand tighter.

"I'm glad you're alright." She said softly.

He chuckled "Why wouldn't I be?"

Deryn gave Alek a glare that silenced him. She might be a girl, but she wasn't a very emotional girl; which is probably why she's such a good boy.

"Deryn?" Alek said slowly. She looked into his scared eyes.

"You haven't been this frightened since I told you I was a girl. What's wrong? Does your mule kick hurt?" They laughed, he smiled, and she felt better for making him feel better.

"Do you really think they'll court martial me?" he said. "I'm not really part of the crew. Can that really be mutiny?"

"I suppose not." She shrugged. "But it's not my call. Sorry, mate."

He was staring again. Why did he have to keep staring?

"I still mean-"

"I know." He cut in.

Silence. Awkward silence. She let go of his hand. He looked away. She blushed.

"I'd like to stay here." he said. Deryn looked up, shocked. "I don't want to be put in a prison. I'd rather stay here." Oh. That's what he meant. Very quietly "With you."

"What was that?"

"What?"

"Did you say something after the prison thing?"

"Oh, well, yes."

"And?"

"I want to stay."

"You said that."

"Yes I did."

"Oh come on, Alek. Just come out with it."

Anger "Alright! I want to stay with you!"

"Why didn't you just say that?"

"Deryn!" He yelled. "I want to stay with but not in the 'mate' way. I don't know how to say that without sounding like I'm-" He abruptly stopped. Quietly "In love."

Deryn laughed. "Your face!" She fell off the bed. "You look so mad!" She was rolling on the floor. Alek stared at her, then laughed at himself.

"Alek," she began, wiping away a tear and taking deep breaths. "You can always talk to me about anything. We're best mates, right? Now trust me, and be amazed at how well I handle it." She stood next to the bed, now completely serious, with her hands on her hips.

"Alright. I will be amazed." Smiling to himself.

"Anything else your princeliness?" She asked.

"Yes, there is one more thing."