By the time Atheline and Lilith returned to their quarters, the palace had become considerably quieter. The dinner had ended, and most of the guests had already returned to their assigned rooms. Only the occasional footsteps of an attendant could be heard somewhere beyond their door.
Their little fox followed them inside before immediately making its way toward the bed. Atheline closed the door behind them.
For several seconds, neither he nor Lilith said anything. Then Lilith turned toward him.
"You've been quiet since we left the balcony."
Atheline nodded.
"I know."
He walked toward the sitting area and lowered himself onto one of the chairs. Lilith followed, taking the seat opposite him at first. Her fingers brushed the back of his hand as she passed—an absent, habitual touch, the kind that needed no thought between them.
She didn't rush him.
Atheline leaned back and stared at the ceiling.
"There's something I didn't tell Helther."
