Taris watched her face as Aera smeared the pungent stuff on the burn and pressed the linen to it. She was so close, he could smell her skin and was intoxicated immediately. Her eyes met his and he could practically feel his iris’ dilate as he fell into those purple pools. Aera tilted her head back and pressed her lips against his. Her lips were so soft… his blood rushed in his ears with his quickening pulse. Too soon, it seemed, she pulled back. Taris could barely contain the hunger in his eyes as he controlled himself.

She thanked him for his help with Kasca, adding with a wicked grin that she didn’t need it. Taris chuckled, “I’m sure you didn’t. I just couldn’t resist [i]helping[/i] him with that shoulder.” They both laughed, but Taris died off quicker. He hesitated, and stroked a loose strand of hair out of her face, “I guess I should savor that kiss, shouldn’t I?” He sighed, “I am sorry, Aera, for what I said. It was not my place to say.” Taris smiled ruefully and stood, walking to the window and staring out. “I hate coming to this city,” he muttered.

He turned back around and looked back at her, admiring everything about her. His heart thudded and Taris had the urge to take her into his arms and kiss her again. A frown flitted briefly across his face. “Banquet will be starting soon, we should get down there. Kasca or not, people will start talking if a Princess and one of the Tournament champions are both missing for the awards ceremony. Especially if both are filthy elves,” he finished with scorn. From the look that settled her face, the prospect was equally distasteful to her.

He offered his arm, and she took it with a small smile. He had a sudden thought as the made their way down to the grounds. “You’ve mentioned this Envy twice now. Is he a friend of yours?” he asked her.