1.17 Appreciation Society: The Lord and the Lady

“Kyros?”

“Hmm…”

“Are you listening?”

“Mhmm…”

“Why did you ask Tilly about that dumb fan theory during lunch? It clearly made her uncomfortable.”

Kyros, whose face was buried in Liriel’s golden tresses, spoke up without moving his head. “She was not uncomfortable, Liri. She clearly enjoyed the conversation.”

“It’s still not an appropriate subject to discuss over lunch.”

“I don’t see a more appropriate time. That theory is quite fascinating.”

“And dumb,” Liriel countered.

“Not at all. It’s a very viable theory. Beautiful, smart, and capable elven princess falls in love with the powerful human queen. The story writes itself. I can see why you would choose Sera over me. She is the Queen, she is good at fighting, and she is rich.”

“You are as dumb as that dumb theory.”

“Liri, if you leave me for Sera, will I get any alimony?”

“Of course not. We wouldn’t get divorced. I would still keep you for special occasions.”

“I can live with that. So, on holidays?”

“I was thinking the weekends.”

Liriel, who was the little spoon, pressed herself closer to her husband. Kyros wrapped his arms around her a little more tightly and started kissing the nape of her neck.

“I missed you, you know,” Liriel said.

“I missed you too, a lot.”

“But not more than the baby griffons.”

“Liri, the baby griffons are nothing compared to you. They just reminded me of you, when you give me that needy look. So I had to stay there and help them out.”

“I don’t look needy!” Liriel protested.

“You do. Just like now.” He started kissing her ears, which made Liriel giggle.

Kyros then gently bit the tip of his wife’s ear and wrapped his lips around it.

“Kyros! Don’t eat my ear!”

“Nom nom… Nom nom…”

“Kyros, stop!” Liriel playfully tried to fight off his strong grip while laughing the entire time.

“You are too tasty.”

“Please, please, Great Mage, please leave my poor ears alone. You can have anything else you wish.”

“What are you offering, Princess?”

“My lips. I think that’s a fair trade.”

“Agreed!”

Liriel turned around to face her husband as soon as he let go of her. She pressed her lips against his and gave him a deep, longing kiss, which Kyros reciprocated just as passionately.

Once their lips parted, an out of breath Liriel said, “It’s good to have you back, darling.”

“It’s good to be back, Liri.” Kyros kissed her again, this kiss even more loving and fiery.

“Kyros, why is my top disappearing?”

“For the same reason your hands are wandering all over my body. It’s time to make up for the lost five days. Are you with me, Lady Magnus?”

“Always, Lord Magnus.”