Lucius!
"What?" he asked, the picture of feigned innocence, though the glint in his crimson eyes betrayed him. "Just making sure you're still capable of laughing."
She shook her head, unable to fight the smile tugging at her lips. "You're impossible."
"Perhaps," he said, his smirk returning. "But I'm impossible and punctual. So hurry up, Jean. We have a celebration to attend, and you've got a lady to serve."
She nodded, her laughter subsiding into a soft smile as she met his gaze once more. "Yes," she affirmed, her voice steady. "Let's go."
Lucius stepped back, holding the door open for her like a true gentleman.
As Jean stepped out, her confidence restored, the maids and attendants in the corridor couldn't help but blush at the sight of the two of them.
They whispered amongst themselves, envious of the ease and warmth between them.
Lucius, ever the perceptive one, caught the whispers but said nothing.