After dinner, they didn't immediately clean up.
Khione lay on the blanket with her head resting in Nero's lap, looking at the artificial stars above the trees.
Nero ran his fingers through her damp hair, gently separating the strands that had become tangled during their playful time in the river.
She seemed perfectly content.
Every so often, she would reach for his hand and hold it against her cheek.
He never objected.
The remaining food could wait.
The dishes could wait.
Even the trial could wait for a little while longer.
Nero looked down at her.
Khione's eyes were half-closed, her expression peaceful in a way he rarely saw during their battles. Without the cold focus she carried into combat, she looked almost detached from the world around them.
He brushed his thumb across her cheek.
She opened her eyes and looked at him.
A small smile appeared on her face.
Then she shifted upward, sat beside him, and rested her head against his shoulder again.
