Not entirely proper, but far from unwelcome, Aurora permitted her knight. . .<em>her</em>knight, that familiarity with her in the privacy of the castle corridors where the watchful eyes of guards and servants did not go, but in the view of her father's people, she maintained a proper decorum, warning Darius with her eyes when she was about to pull away from him.<br/><br/>The steward's chambers were empty when the two of them arrived, a manservant informing the pair that the steward had been in the tower, as he was wont to do to watch the moonrise, but he would be fetched immediately.  Aurora, never patient when she was kept waiting, frowned, touching the pendant beneath her blouse without thought, but nodded her acceptance.<br/><br/>Of course, when the manservant was away, she immediately unrolled the top of the desk, looking at the papers and letters on top.  "If you wish it, Sir Darius, I will give you my leave to go.  I am certain that your father would be most anxious to hear of your safe return."