The last crumb of bread was gone. The silver tray sat empty on the corner of the heavy oak desk, a testament to their shared hunger.
Carcel wiped a small smudge of sauce from the corner of Ines's lip with his thumb. His touch was gentle, lingering for a moment on her soft skin.
"Better?" he asked softly.
"Much better," Ines replied, leaning into his hand. "I didn't realize how hungry I was until I started eating."
"Same here," Carcel said.
He shifted slightly in the chair. Ines made to stand up, thinking he wanted to return to his work, but he held her waist firmly, keeping her on his lap.
"Not yet," he murmured. "I have something for you."
Ines tilted her head. "Something else? I thought the cheese was the surprise."
Carcel chuckled. He reached into the inside pocket of his discarded coat, which hung over the back of the chair. He pulled out a small, flat envelope made of thick, expensive parchment.
He placed it in her hands.
"Open it," he urged.
