Ari clutched at his arm and pressed her palm to his chest, feeling the beat of his heart speed up when she moved toward him. He raised his head with a quick lick at her lips. “That answered that. Would you like to continue the tour?” She nodded. “Please.” They walked further into the maze of green. He asked her, “What are you thinking about?” “That the paint on my face is very sturdy stuff. You aren’t wearing any of the blue on your lips.” Usorn smiled. “I am gratified that you are looking. The makeup is protective and sealed against damage. It goes back to the days when Hredu was contaminated and masks were required for even the smallest task.” “Would you tell me about it?” He cocked his head. “Don’t you know all about it?” “I did some research, but it is cold facts when you don’t know about how the Hredu came to be under an emperor.”
