Not for the first time that night, Kiara was surprised. Now, he'd said a good many things to her, but not one of them was ever really a compliment. Anything that even slightly sounded like one was followed by some sort of barb to her character and lifestyle. So, for a moment, she watched him, to make sure he was serious. He certainly looked like he was telling her the truth, but something in her couldn't trust that or him. 

She didn't have much time to dwell on it because soon the beat began to slow down, obviously to draw couples to the fire with the promise of a close dance. She could see the appeal, to just feel the comfort of someone holding you without the pressure of anything else happening. Kiara watched the others as they swayed to the music, smiling at their partners. Yes, she could see why anyone would want someone like that in their lives.

And suddenly, her buzz was gone. She was still dizzy, but that happy feeling that came along with it was dwindling as she remembered where she was and why. Her gaze once again searched the expression of Ostus, wondering what he was thinking of. As if reading her mind, he reached for her, and she could not find it in her to stop him. Eyes closed, she leaned into his touch, and felt a loss when he removed it, stepping away from her.

Not once since they had met had he treated her so formally. Even when they were fighting, she appreciated that fact about him: that he would treat her like anyone else. If he believed her wrong, he'd tell her as rudely as he possibly could. He wasn't soft on her feelings. It was hurtful and yet refreshing at the same time.

Now, he was finally looking at her as if she were different. Her expression was saddened as she slowly shook her head and tried to give him a smile. Perhaps it was for the best. At least they were on speaking terms now. They did not need to be friends. "I think maybe..." a sigh escaped her against her will and she in turn took a step away from him as well. "You stay. Dance. Enjoy yourself."

It felt wrong to leave him there. She'd never been one to run when something scared her, but there were always exceptions. Her loneliness was frightening, and that he seemed to sense it was too much. Kiara was about to be married, and that was something she'd accepted. It didn't matter if it made her happy. If anything went wrong, if the marriage did not go through, or she did something that ruined it, her country would be in danger. 

Kiara was just too tempted to do something she would regret for a few moments of peace in her soul.