When Kira woke the next morning, Derek wasn't beside her. She reached for him through the mind-link, but it wouldn't connect. She knew straight away he wasn't anywhere near the palace, and she wondered where on earth he'd got to.
She sat up, stretched, yawned, and was about to swing her legs out of bed when her eyes landed on the nightstand. A note sat tucked under the lamp. She picked it up and unfolded it.
It was Derek's handwriting. She smiled as she read it.
You looked so beautiful and peaceful sleeping, and I didn't want to wake you. Don't miss me too much. I've gone to tie up loose ends. See you at the council later.
A small frown creased her brow. What loose ends? She sighed, folded the note back up, slipped it into the nightstand drawer, and got up to start her day.
Once she was dressed and about to sit down to do her hair and makeup, a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," she called, not bothering to look up.
