Ruby knew this was bad news for her. If the King's attention truly shifts, she would lose the respect of the ladies of the court. She won't allow it.
She was still pulling that thought apart when laughter reached her from below.
She looked down instinctively.
Derek and Kira were crossing the courtyard below, moving through the pool of lamplight near the main fountain. Kira was saying something, one hand pressed dramatically to her forehead as though she were about to faint, her face turned up towards him.
And then Derek, without a word, scooped her clean off the ground, cradling her in his arms as though she weighed nothing at all, while Kira shrieked with laughter and grabbed his shoulders, her legs kicking out as he held her bridal-style against his chest.
