"In any other context I would not try," he replied wisely. He kept his grip strong, but he didn't squeeze her again for fear of crossing the very fine line she had drawn. They arrived back at her dorm before he properly knew it. He was going to leave her at the door so he didn't get caught after hours upstairs at her bedroom door.

He bent his knees a bit so she wouldn't have to struggle to get down. He turned to face her, bowed, took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. "My lady, your castle."