Page 78 of Dark Princess Emerging

"I need a manual," she murmured.

"For what?"

"A step-by-step guide on how to be part of a couple." She was only slightly joking. "I need to know the rules and expectations. Where I come from, they didn't teach that. I'm surprised that Ell-rom seems to be doing so well. Jasmine must be a good teacher."

"And I'm not?" Brandon said quietly.

She lifted her head to look at him and smiled to counter his dejected expression. "You are great, but we haven't been together as long as they have, and I'm not as patient as my brother. I want a shortcut."

His chuckle was warm and affectionate. "Is that why you want to go on a Perfect Match adventure? Is that your idea of a shortcut?"

"No." She shook her head. "Well, yes, but it's a different shortcut. I want to see this world, learn about its different peoples, history, politics, and cultures, and I can do that much faster with the Perfect Match machine. It can literally just load all that information into my brain."

She was also curious about the questionnaire and hoped it would help her understand herself better.

Figure out what she wanted.

For some reason, Morelle didn't want to share this particular motive with Brandon. He might say that this wasn't the best way to do it and that she needed to experience real life to learn about herself, but she believed that she would learn a lot from answering guided questions, and if not, no harm would be done. She would use it to feed the Perfect Match machine and have it design a wonderful adventure for her.

There was no downside to filling out the questionnaire other than upsetting Brandon.

"That's exactly the part I don't like," Brandon said. "I want my memories to be real, not implanted by a computer program."

She tilted her head. "Does it matter how you acquire your memories as long as you can distinguish between the real ones and the computer-generated ones? It's just a faster way to learn and experience things."

His smile was a little condescending. "We are immortal, Morelle. What's the point of rushing anything? We should savor real experiences and prolong them as much as we can instead of cramming them into a three-hour session. It makes sense for humans but not for us." He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "And the best part about being mated immortals is living forever together and experiencing everything as a couple."

She looked up at him. "Are couples supposed to do everything together? I mean, we are not the same person, and we might enjoy different activities. Do we have to give up the things that the other person doesn't like and only engage in activities that we both enjoy?"

A shadow crossed his face. "Are you tired of my company, Princess? Do you need some space? I could sleep at my house tonight and give you some breathing room."

Morelle felt torn.

The truth was, she wasn't used to sharing every waking moment with another person, even Brandon, who she cared for deeply. But how could she explain that need for space without hurting his feelings?

"I didn't ask these questions to hint that I want to be alone. I don't. I truly need answers."

His shoulders relaxed. "Couples should not do everything together, and no one should give up what they enjoy doing justbecause their partner doesn't. If you want to go on Perfect Match adventures, go. You don't need me to come with you."

Morelle smiled, happy with the answer he'd given her. "But I would like you to join me, at least from time to time. Is there a chance I could change your mind?"

He groaned. "I'll think about it."

That was progress.

She lifted her head and kissed his cheek. "Thank you. That's much better than a flat-out no."

He looked at her from under lowered lashes. "Are you sure you don't want me to leave? I seem to have annoyed you today, and I don't want to become the annoying guy who doesn't know when to back off."

"I don't want you to leave," she said. "But I would like to take a long, relaxing bath."

One hour of solitude was all she needed. It would recharge her.

He nodded, though something in his eyes suggested he understood she was asking for more than just bath time. "Do you need help filling it up?"

The offer made her laugh. She leaned in to kiss him softly. "Speaking of backing off, my dear. You need to give me some room to breathe."

"I'm sorry." He ran a hand through his hair. "I know I can be overbearing, controlling. I've spent most of my life telling people what to do and expecting immediate compliance. I know it's not the right way to handle a relationship, but old habits are hard to break."