“Yeah, that sounds like her.” He sat up abruptly. “Oh I almost forgot.” He reached into a pouch on his belt. “I know this is our last day and I’m not allowed in the women’s apartments so I made you an early birthday present.” He held out his hand and placed a small object in hers.

“You didn’t have to.” She said looking down. A small figurine carved intricately sat in her hand. It was a wolf crouched and ready to pounce. “Its beautiful. Did you make this?” She looked up to see him grinning form ear to ear.

“Yeah, I’ve always been good at it, but being the grandson of the captain of the king’s personal guard, you don’t have much choice in life.”

“I can’t believe you did this for me. Thank you.” She said truly touched.

He scratched the back of his neck. “Well the wolf is a lot like you, cunning and tenacious. Plus to be honest, you’re my best friend Lilly. I know we won’t see allot of each other after the ball so I wanted to give you something to remember me…happy birthday.”

Ann held back the tears she wanted to cry. She’d never had a friend like him before, he accepted her for who she was and her time with him made her feel like she could live the way she wished. She could be a Lady and be herself, just as Clara told her. She just needed to know when and how to do it. “Thank you Sarrak, you’re my best friend too.” She laughed. “Maybe we will see each other more than you think. When you become a great fighter and your name is known all through Alura. Your grandfather will be proud.”

He grinned at her like a cat who ate a canary. “If I do, I’ll owe it all to you, my Lady.” He got up and bowed. Lilly got up as well and gave him a small kiss on his cheek.