Victor and Rakshasa lay in bed with no hurry to get up.
She remained partially resting against his chest while Victor absentmindedly played with her dark-brown hair, letting a few strands slide between his fingers.
After the mess involving dresses, maids, and the gift he had prepared, the room was finally quiet.
Rakshasa looked relaxed, but it did not take long for her to return to the subject that had occupied much of her thoughts ever since receiving the invitation.
"I really don't like these galas," she commented. "I've been to so many that they all started feeling the same. Families trying to impress one another, old men arguing about bloodlines, young people pretending they aren't looking for marriage, and far too many people trying to figure out who is allied with whom."
She raised her face slightly to look at him.
"But I imagine you invited me because you want to avoid problems, right?"
Victor continued stroking her hair.
"Not exactly."
Rakshasa raised an eyebrow.
