Illusion

As the flying cart soared through the air, Steele shifted in his seat, his gaze fixed on the horizon. After a moment of tense silence, he cleared his throat.

"Since we're... gonna be stuck together... in enemy territory," Steele drawled, his words measured and slow, "might be good... to know each other better."

Mazikeen's eyebrows shot up, her surprise evident. 'Well, well, the statue speaks,' she thought, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Oh?" Maze replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "And here I thought we'd just communicate through grunts and glares. How disappointing."

Steele's jaw tightened imperceptibly. 'This woman...' he thought, suppressing a sigh.

"Simple question... you married?"

Maze leaned back, crossing her arms. "Why, Steele, I didn't know you cared. Trying to gauge your chances?" She batted her eyelashes mockingly.

'As if,' Steele thought, fighting the urge to roll his eyes.