Celeste leaned closer, her lips curling faintly. "Are you frightened?"
"Extremely." He faked a small shiver.
"You do not look frightened."
"I hide it well."
Her hand slid behind his neck and clasped it with terrifying strength. "Well, you should be; have you ever heard of domestic violence?"
Before Elion could respond, a sharp knock sounded from the chamber door.
Celeste's pleasant expression vanished instantly. The warmth in her eyes turned cold as she looked toward the entrance.
"What?" Her voice was quite clearly annoyed. Perhaps this was not the first time she had to deal with whatever this was.
A nervous voice answered from the other side.
"Princess, forgive the interruption, but Grand Elder Dorian instructed us to ask once again whether Lord Elion had awakened."
Celeste's gaze returned to Elion.
Elion sighed. "I suppose everyone wants to speak to me."
"They have been waiting for a week."
"That sounds like their problem."
