He watched her, choosing to take as many signals he could from her appearance, and features, as the raging that sounded in his head? How was anyone in this tower able to stand?

Sitting next to her, Rainier lifted one of the boxes and placed it next to her quietly. It was not time for his wit, or even to lead her into a dance. And they most certainly could not have an adventure or two together to bring her back from the edge. But perhaps the flowing emerald silk kimono could be the start of a conversation.