Kissing Practice

The days passed peacefully. 

In the blink of an eye, Soleia had found herself settled in this little town for over a week. The town knew her as Leia from Vramid, and she and Ralph played the role of a deeply loving couple so well that she could almost believe this man was her first and only husband. 

Majority of the townspeople were welcoming; they often dropped by without prior warning with food or gossip to share. Soleia had never found herself so popular in her life.

But it also meant that Soleia had to behave extra-lovingly with Sir Ralph, even in the privacy of their own home. She was getting used to their hand-holding, but whenever Sir Ralph leaned closer to press a kiss to her cheek, she would instinctively duck away, her heart racing so quickly. Her whole face would feel like it was on fire. 

"Princess Soleia," Sir Ralph said gravely as they sent away their guests. "I fear that I might have bad news."