Whisper by Christine Grey Page A

colors and patterns that these were no simple garments. In addition to wanting them to feel comfortable, Darius had also wanted them to feel as if they looked nice, and he had succeeded in that endeavor.
    Another knock at the door distracted them from their evaluation of one another, and again, Dearra was the one to open the door. This time she found Darius standing before her, dressed in a similar style. His garments were a marvelous cream color that contrasted wonderfully with his coppery skin tone. The only adornment he wore was the sash at his waist, which was a startling blue laced with a vibrant gold, and held in place with the heavy, silver cloak pin Dearra had given him. Dearra thought the colors of the sash seemed somewhat familiar but she couldn’t figure out from where. She couldn’t form the words to ask, so she just stood there, staring at him.
    Darius was likewise bemused by Dearra’s appearance. She looked like a princess, to him. He was glad he had spent the extra coin on her clothing. He was pleased Carly had a nice outfit as well, but to be honest, he had only thought of Dearra, though he knew her well enough to know she would never accept something ornate for herself, and leave Carly to wear a simpler design.
    Carly finally grew tired of watching the two of them stare at each other, and she cleared her throat to get their attention. “Are we going?” she asked.
    “Yes, of course. And might I say, you ladies look especially lovely?”
    “Thank you, Darius,” Carly said, as she glided from the room.
    Darius moved only enough to allow Carly to pass, continuing to look at Dearra as he did.
    “Oh, Darius?” Carly called from a ways down the hall.
    “Yes, Carly?” Darius responded, still unmoving, his eyes remaining locked with Dearra’s.
    “I want to thank you again for the compliment on my new outfit, but there’s just one thing?”
    “Yes, Carly?” Darius asked, growing a little curious.
    “What color is it?” Carly asked, knowing Darius would have no idea as he hadn’t taken his eyes off of Dearra since she’d opened the door, even though he had chosen it himself.
    Dearra laughed aloud.
    Darius sighed, defeated. “Coming, Carly. We’re coming.”
    “Darius, don’t you ever get tired of being outwitted by women?” Dearra teased. “Why don’t you just accept my apology now and be done with it? You know I’ll win in the end.”
    “Really? You have no hope for me at all, then?” Darius stepped closer to Dearra, lowered his lips to her ear, and whispered, “You shouldn’t count me out completely, Dearra. It’s a foolish warrior who underestimates her opponent’s…skills.”
    He pulled slowly away, allowing his cheek to just brush against hers before taking a step back. “Shall we go, then?” he asked, offering her his arm.
    She ignored his gesture and breezed quickly past him, but he hadn’t missed the flush in her cheeks, or the way her breathing had sped up ever so slightly at his touch. Dearra had been right about one thing: this was going to be interesting.
    ***
    Hugh and William wouldn’t be joining them that morning, as the six of them together tended to stand out too much. Instead, the two men had decided to have a good look around in order to get a better feel for the port city, which could prove invaluable if, for some reason, Darius couldn’t be on hand to act as guide.
    The rest of them would go to purchase the horses. It was a shame they couldn’t just be rented, as they didn’t have the silver to buy something they would be abandoning when they left. No one would trust strangers to return rented horses, unfortunately, and since they would most likely be on the run when they left, stopping to sell the horses was out of the question.
    Darius led them through narrow streets and cobblestone alleys until, at last, the walkways began to grow wider and the air cleaner. Even with a fresh breeze coming in off the sea, that many bodies living together in such close