Deryn strode down the hall of the ship, her Airman's Cross glinting in the late afternoon sunlight. She nodded curtly to Newkirk. "I'd like to speak to the prisoner, Mr. Newkirk," she said, repeating the words she'd said 1,000 times in her head.

"Be my guest," the boy answered. Out of politeness, for he'd taken a wee liking to Alek, and was honestly a bit afraid of him, he tapped lightly on the door. "Mr. Prince Alek, Midshipman Dylan Sharp would like to speak with you," he called tentatively.

Deryn rolled her eyes "Ye don't have to be all polite!" She threw open the door. "Alek, we've got to talk!" she announced loudly.

Newkirk stared at her.

"ALONE, please, Mr. Newkirk," Deryn said uneasily. "It's one of those royal matters."

Newkirk gave a sharp salute and shut the door. Deryn waited until she heard him walking back down the hallway. "Alek," she started.

"Yes, Dylan?" the prince asked.

She surged forward, and kissed him,

Alek pulled away immediately. "Mister Sharp!" he shrieked. "Why did you…?"

"Don't you see, you bumrag? I'm a girl!" Deryn yelled.

Alek stopped. "Um… oh," was all be could manage out.

Deryn sat down on the floor next to him. "I'm sorry, Alek."

He paused. "Actually, you're quite the good kisser."

Deryn punched him in the arm, secretly grinning.