Morganse heard an excited knock at the door. She had already put on her nightgown so she pulled a jacket that Mops had made for her over her gown and opened the door. Declan stood there slightly out of breath and holding the doorpost to steady himself. As the door opened and he saw Morganse standing there in her night clothes he blushed and averted his eyes “My apologies for the late hour, I just had some news that I was intent on sharing. It can wait until the morning.”

  Morganse answered “please if you wait a moment I can make myself presentable and go on a walk with you.”

  Declan felt entirely too embarrassed to speak and was feeling an immense urge to run in the opposite direction. Morganse stuck out her finger and said “One moment, I promise.” She shut the door on Declan who was left waiting in the hallway. A few minutes past and the door reopened. Morganse emerged wearing her normal attire and Declan relaxed.

  They walked out into the cool night air and Declan apologized again for the lateness of the hour. Morganse assured him that there was nothing to be worried about.

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  All around them the cool air pressed in, Declan thought that the lights from the windows in the tree homes all looked like fireflies lighting the night sky. His thoughts turned to Morganse standing next to him and the reason they were out. “I was talking to Pimm and asked if he thought Roseglen would be willing to stand as my ally. He suggested I hold a meeting and ask them.”

  Morganse smiled “I think that is a wonderful idea. Are you going to prepare a speech or just speak from your heart?”

  “I hadn’t thought of that.” He said nervously. “I suppose it will have to be from my heart.”

  “I think that would be best as well” Morganse said warmly. “Is that all you wanted to discuss?”

  Declan answered her “I will escort you back to your room, thank you for speaking with me.” Declan suddenly felt very foolish for not waiting until the morning. He glanced at Morganse who was watching him curiously. She never seemed annoyed or bothered by anything which is one of the things that drew him to her. Declan could not help but admire Morganse. He walked her back to her room and as she closed the door he felt a warmth flood his heart.