He and Ildiko bowed and made their escape into the hallway. “How fast can you walk?” he said. For the first time that evening, she offered him a wide smile, flashing her small square teeth. “I can run if you want me to.” “Excellent.” He grabbed her hand and they dashed together through the corridors and up a flight of stairs until they stood outside the doors to his chamber and hers. “How did I do, husband?” Ildiko said when she caught her breath. Brishen reached for her hand and brought it to his mouth for a kiss, then bowed before her. “You make a magnificent hercegesé, my wife.”
