“You chose it.” It was an old argument.

“I thought you might need someone to go with you to the raptor center, but it looks like you’ve got it covered.” Jess’s eyes darted between me and Alex. I knew she was trying to figure out if he was going with me. I could almost feel her mentally prodding me for answers. Or maybe that was the foot she was using to kick my leg.

“There are three bodyguards standing outside the door waiting on me.” I batted her foot away from me.

“Not to mention the three that followed me.” Alex laughed.

“Oh, are you going with Sam?” Jess turned bright eyes toward him. He seemed to pick up on her tone and leaned back in his chair, that little smile playing on his mouth.

“She was kind enough to offer to show me the birds.”

“Uh huh.” She turned and smiled at me. I thought about shoving her off the desk.

“Alex has birds at home. I thought he might enjoy seeing the ones we have here.” I stood up and started collecting the trash. Alex held open the bag so I could stuff the wrappers inside.

“Well, I guess I’ll go on to my office then.” Jess stood up and picked up her bag. “Have you heard from Dr. Geller?”

“Shoot. I need to check my e-mail. Today has thrown me off.” I sat back down at my computer and opened up my account, scanning the messages. I frowned when I saw the one from Dr. Geller. Apparently the dean had contacted him, so he knew a little bit about what was going on. He would be in early tomorrow to talk.

“Greeeaaat,” I muttered.

“Geller unhappy?” Jess looked over my shoulder.

“The dean called him.” I met Alex’s eyes. His face was blank and I knew he was waiting for more information. “I think he was just surprised to not have heard the news from me.”

“It’s not like you exactly had time.” Jess shrugged. “You’ll be fine. Geller loves you.”

“We’ll see.” Would he still love me if I went to Lilaria? He had invested a lot of time in my education. Was I really thinking about going?

“I’m going to run. I’ve got some papers to grade and I don’t want to do it tonight.” Jess looked over at Alex. “Enjoy the birds. Don’t let the eagle bite you. He’s a moody bastard.”

“I shall endeavor to keep my fingers to myself.”

“You do that.” Jess moved out of his sight and winked at me.

I looked away from her and down at my computer to log off. “See you later.” I didn’t look up when I heard the door open. I was worried Alex would see the relief on my face. The longer Jess was around him, the bolder she would become in her jokes.

“She’s a good friend.” Alex said it like he knew for sure after spending less than an hour with her.

“I have good taste.” I smiled at him as I picked up my bag. “Ready?”

“Lead the way.” He opened the door for me and motioned into the hall. There were people in suits filling the area just outside the office.

“Uh, I need to head over to the center.” I looked at Duvall, who motioned at the others. Someone handed Alex a winter coat and we headed down the stairs. There were more people in the lobby than normal and I had a sneaking suspicion it wasn’t because of the snow. In fact, the ones that normally used the area to study looked irritated. I didn’t blame them.

“Sir, should I send someone for your car as well?” A man that rivaled Alex in size leaned close.

“No, I’ll be accompanying Samantha.” Alex nodded at me.

“Yes, sir.” The man moved ahead of us to clear the door.

A young woman with red hair broke away from a group near the elevator and stopped in our path. She was vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t remember where I knew her from. Her shirt was unbuttoned much farther than it normally would’ve been considering the frigid air outside, and from the way her friends giggled, I was sure it was just for Alex’s benefit.

“May I have your autograph?” She smiled around the bodyguards at Alex, her eyes practically shimmering like an anime cartoon. The guards continued to block her, allowing Alex to make the decision.

“I’m sorry, I can’t sign anything.” Alex flashed a panty-dropping smile and she made a little moue of disappointment before turning toward me.

“Would you sign?” She pushed the notebook toward me.

“Um.” My eyebrows rose so high, I thought they might try to escape my face.

“You were the TA in one of my classes last semester. I can’t believe I know a royal.” She shoved the notebook toward me and I had no choice but to grab it. I felt awkward and clumsy as I stared at this girl who acted as though she knew me.

“As much as we would love to sign it for you, we’re not allowed to give autographs.” Alex took the notebook from my hands and held it out to the girl.

“So you are a royal?” Something in her eyes shifted to a shrewd glint. With one simple sentence, Alex had confirmed all the news reports floating around and sent the rumor mill into overdrive.

“I’m a grad student.” I tried to keep my face friendly, but I had a feeling she wasn’t some silly co-ed.

“But you’re also part of the royal family from Lilaria?”

“I’m sorry, we’re going to be late.” I tried to smile, but it probably looked deranged.

“My brother works for WKFS. He’d let you tell the story in your own words.” She stepped closer and I saw the guards around us move into action. Duvall slid between us and Becca stepped close to my right side. Alex put a hand on my elbow and steered me away from the redhead.