"It has been far too long since we shared a dinner date," Casaio said softly. The dim, warm yellow lights of the restaurant created a romantic ambience for them.
"Despite the weight of the crown and the stress you carry, you still find this time for us," Zilia remarked. She focused on her plate, expertly rolling her fork to gather the garlic noodles. She leaned forward to take a bite, unaware for a moment of the sheer devotion in Casaio's gaze as he watched her.
"I feel as though I don't take nearly enough time for us," he whispered, his eyes never leaving her face.
Zilia paused, her fork hovering as she looked deeply into his eyes.
"Zilia, we have a long journey ahead of us. We must win the hearts of the people and prove to them, once and for all, that we were never a threat to their peace," Casaio asserted.
"Cas, it is I who must prove that," Zilia corrected gently. "It is I who must show them I was never a harm to this country."
