A/N: I'm sorry guys. I said that I would post this two days ago, but I was too barking busy. I hope you like this chapter.
Alek was still reading when Volger came in the room.
"Haven't you heard of knocking?" Alek asked, annoyed.
"My sincerest apologies, your Highness, but I'm in a rush. I came to see if you were reading for the gathering." Volger said.
"I"m not going," Alek said without hesitation.
"Why ever not?" Voler prompted.
"I don't think Deryn likes me now," Alek said sadly.
"Why do you think that? Last time I checked, she was making cow-eyes at you," Volger said, checking his nails for dirt.
"I threatened to turn her in," Alek said at last.
"Well done, Alek! Most impressive. I believe you're becoming just like me. Look at you boy, blackmailing that wretch girl," Volger congratulated.
"I'm not proud of it, Volger. No need for your thanks," Alek said irritibly.
"Well what should I say, should Deryn question your presence?" Volger asked.
"I highly doubt that she will, but in case she does, or in fact tell everyone, so no one gets suspicious of why I'm not there. Tell them I have a headache and decided not to come," Alek said, making a mental plan.
"Very well, Alek," Volger said at last, " I shall see you soon, now get some rest," Volger said and left the room.
Alek sighed. He hadn't realized he'd blackmailed Deryn. The truth was, he didn't want to go, because he didn't know what he would do, when he came face to face with her.
Not only that, other people would be watching and any wrong move could give her away. After all, this whole gathering was made for her.
He went back to read some more, but found he could not. His thoughts kept wondering to last night; his dream and his promise to make it up to her...somehow.
Sudden an idea struck his mind. He knew how to make it up to her. He had to attend the gathering.
He scrambled out of bed and flew to his closet and dusted off the nicest article of clothing he could find. He picked up his father's pocket watch and saw that it was 3:30 p.m. The party had already started. He went to his mirror dresser and pulled out Middy's Mircle and ran a comb through his hair. He laced up his loafers, picked up his watch and headed out the door.
The hall way seemed empty as it was no wonder, that everyone was either on duty or at the gathering.
When he arrived at the mess hall's doors, he took a deep breath and pushed them open. It seemed everyone he knew was there; Dr. Barlow was chattering away to Dr. Busk, his own men were even there. Otto Klopp was having a small conversation with Hans Baurer.
he scanned the room until he found Deryn. She was with Newkirk. Suddenly she laughed at what Alek assumed was a joke from Newkirk. Alek felt a twinge of jealousy. No one seemed to noticed his presence. Then he saw Count Volger make his way over toward Deryn and Newkirk. He exchanged some words with them and Alek moved closer to hear what he was saying.
"Ah, Mr. Sharp, I'm sure you noticed Alek's lack of presence. I'm sorry to say, that he was planning on coming, but this terrible headache came upon him and he decided not to come." Volger explained.
"No need to apologize on his behalf, count," Deryn retorted.
"Oh, but he asked me to," Volger said.
"I'll take it from here, Volger," Alek said coming into view.
All three heads turned to him. Deryn looked genuinely shocked. Volger flashed a look of annoyance. Newkirk regarded Alek cooly, as if wondering why he had the nerve to show up.
Strange, Alek thought. Newkirk was the one who invited him.
"Good afternoon, your princeliness," Deryn greeted, avoiding his eyes.
"So he finally arrives," Newkirk grumbled.
"Ah, your Highness," Volger said calmly, " I've see you've changed your mind."
"I just needed some fresh air, is all," Alek replied.
"I thought your head hurted," Newkirk asked, still giving Alek a funny look.
I don't know why I invited this ninny, Newkirk thought. Wait I do. I invited him because he's Deryn's best friend and if I didn't people would get suspicious. If it were up to me, I wouldn't even have invited him, simply because of what he did to Deryn.
Alek was silent.
"Well?" Newkirk prompted.
"I feel fine now," Alek said.
"Sure you do," Newkirk grumbled.
Deryn place a hand on his shoulder, "Newkirk, are you well?" Deryn asked, concern in her voice.
"Yeah, yeah," Newkirk answered, brushing Deryn's hand off his shoulder gently.
Newkirk got up and left. Volger, who had been silent this whole time, smirked and stalked off, leaving Deryn and Alek alone.
There was an awkward silence so Deryn decided to break it.
"I should go check on Newkirk and go see if he's alright," she said looking very uncomfortable.
Since when did she care for Newkirk's behalf, Alek thought.
She got up from her chair and was about to leave when Alek whispered, "Deryn, wait."
She paused mid-stride. When he was sure he had her attention he continued, "I'd like to apologize for-"
"Alek, please, not now and not here," she said suddenly sounding very tired.
"Please, Deryn," he whispered, "I'm so sorry."
Deryn ignored him and continued walking. Alek jumped off his chair and ran after her. He made a mistake and grabbed her shoulder so see had to look at him.
"Deryn, I-" he began.
"Let go of me, you clart filled bum-rag!" She shoved him forcefully so that his back hit the wall with a thud.
Everyone in the room turned and gave the couple worry looks.
Deryn stared at him in disbelief as if she couldn't believe what she just did.
"I'm sorry, Alek," she gasped and then walked swiftly towards the exit.
Everyone eyes followed her out and then back to Alek. Alek ignored them and went to join Volger, his face turning red.
Newkirk walked past him and muttered, "party crasher," and walke dout the door to follow Deryn.