"For peace to last,"
Mikhailis lit his small candle and placed it on the wooden boat with a mischievous grin. "For more kisses without protocol interruptions," he said aloud, making sure Elowen could hear every syllable. Even in the gentle darkness around the lantern pond, there was no mistaking his teasing intent. She snapped him a look that was half affection, half exasperation, and in answer, she flicked a tiny splash of water at him. It landed on his cheek like a cool rebuke, sending tiny ripples across the pond's surface.
He feigned shock, hand pressed dramatically to his chest. "Assaulting your consort in public, are we?"
Elowen only rolled her eyes, though the corners of her lips betrayed her smile. "You deserve it. Always going on about kisses," she said softly, her tone holding that secret warmth she reserved just for him.
