Free Valle : Book 2 of the Heku Series by T.M. Nielsen Page A

anything?” Emily asked seriously.
    He frowned, “Don’t get yourself into trouble over me, please.”
    “You said I could do what I want, and I want to help. I don’t think you belong down here.”
    “A book would be nice.”
    “I can do that. What would you like?”
    “Anything is fine. You choose your favorite book and I will read it. It will be interesting.”
    “How so?”
    “I’ve studied you, yet never really knew anything about you. You seem enchanting.” He smiled as she blushed.
    “Not really, but I’ll do what you suggest.” She stood up.
    “Leaving?”
    “Yeah, I better get back before they notice I’m gone. One book for tomorrow though.” She smiled at David, and then left the cells.
    Emily opened the door that led into the castle and slowly peeked around it. Opening it further, she slipped out and shut it quickly behind her, then looked around. No one had seen her. She smiled and went into the library.
    ***
    “Ugh!” Emily growled into the mirror.
    “What’s wrong?” Chevalier asked, looking over at her.
    “My jeans won’t zip.” She tried again, but the gap was too large.
    “Em, just wear something else. Margaret brought you a lot of new clothes,” he suggested.
    “These?” she asked, pointing at a large pile of clothing. “These make me look pregnant.”
    Chevalier chuckled, “You are, Dear.”
    “That’s not the point,” she said, angrily picking up an outfit before disappearing into the bathroom.
    He watched after her and grinned.
    “Are you going to be in meetings all day again?” she called out to him from the bathroom.
    “Yes, we are still training.”
    He heard her growl and he grinned again.
    She finally came out and, and he realized that she was right. The clothing did make her look more pregnant. The lavender baby doll top and shorts accentuated her growing tummy.
    “Ok, time to weigh,” he said, pulling scales out from by the door.
    “I’m not getting on that thing,” she said.
    “The doctor said you need to weigh once a week.”
    “No”
    “Why are you fighting me at everything?”
    “Because you are pushing too hard.” She turned toward him.
    “Fine, not today then,” he said before he could get angry at her. He’d watched his temper a lot lately as she pushed it to the limit.
    Emily watched as he walked out the door and stuck her tongue out at him.
    Hours later, knocking interrupted his conversation with Kyle, and Chevalier cringed.
    “Come,” he said.
    Emily’s guard walked in nervously, “Sir.”
    “Go find her, Kyle,” Chevalier said.
    “Sure,” Kyle said, irritated.
    “Any idea how she got out?” Chevalier asked.
    “No, Sir, again… the balcony guard didn’t see her.”
    Chevalier frowned, wracking his brain as to how she was getting out.
    “That’s it then… tell Captain Remoin to send another guard for in her room,” Chevalier said, looking tired.
    “Yes, Sir,” he replied, and left to go talk to his Captain.
    ***
    “Hello, Emily.” The voice was soft and controlled.
    “Hi David, got you a book.” She handed it through the bars and sat down, this time close enough her knees were touching the bars.
    “Let’s see then…” He looked down at the book and smiled, “The Scarlet Letter?”
    “Yes, always one of my favorites,” she said, and smiled.
    “Did you get in trouble for being down here yesterday?” he asked, concerned.
    “Chev never found out. These guards are too afraid to tell him.” She motioned to the two guards who were fidgeting in the corner.
    “How did you get them to let you in?” he asked, impressed.
    “It was mean…” She looked at the ground.
    David laughed, “I’m glad you did, it gets boring down here.”
    She smiled and admitted to herself it felt good to be needed, “Is there anything else I can get you?”
    “I’ll think about it and let you know.”
    “Ok”
    “May I ask you some questions?”
    Her eyes narrowed, “What about?”
    He shrugged, “Just something to get to know