Atheline stretched his shoulders as they stepped into the palace corridor.
"I think I prefer training."
Lilith looked at him from the corner of her eye.
"I noticed."
"The moment the fifth report appeared, you looked as though you'd rather fight a corrupted beast."
"I would."
She let out a quiet laugh.
"I'll remember that for tomorrow's council."
He sighed dramatically.
"You're merciless."
"So I've been told."
The corner of his mouth lifted into a smile. There was something comforting about moments like these; not every conversation had to revolve around politics, conspiracies, or war. Sometimes... It was enough to simply tease one another.
As they reached their chambers, Atheline began removing the formal robes required during council sessions. Heavy ceremonial clothing looked impressive, but it was also terribly uncomfortable.
A short while later, he emerged wearing a simple dark travelling outfit with a plain cloak draped over his shoulders.
