Avril straightened Raylo's collar. She didn't ask any questions, only saying softly, "Come back early."
"Don't worry." Raylo held his wife's hand, lying through his teeth with a straight face. "I'm just attending a Mage 'academic seminar.' It'll be over soon."
Avril rolled her eyes at him. Her gaze seemed to say, "Keep making things up," but she didn't expose his flimsy lie. Instead, she stood on her tiptoes and planted a soft kiss on his lips. "Be careful on the road. Remember to submit an 'academic report' when you get back."
Raylo chuckled. This woman.
"Coal Ball, Moonlight, and the others have been waiting for you for a while," she added.
