Her breath caught in her throat when she watched him walk away. For a moment she regretted stopping him, though she knew it was right. She couldn't. She was married to Kentaro and had no reason not to honor that. "I have no reason...." She started, her eyes on Taris' turned back. He stopped, and looked over his shoulder at her. "He's good to me."

Something crossed his face as he continued walking away that caught her her attention, but she couldn't read it, her mind a jumble from the kiss. His kiss. Ah, those lips. On quick feet she stepped up to him and cut him off, pulling his head down to her again, pressing their lips together. His arms wrapped around her back and he held her, his want matching hers. "Aera," He whispered. 

With great amount of effort, she pulled back again, her face torn with emotion. "I'm sorry." Her voice was thick. She covered her mouth with her hand, holding the feel of his lips to hers, as she turned away. They needed to get control of themselves. She needed to control herself. This wasn't like her. "If things were different... If... back when we first had met..." She swallowed. She had only been, what, sixteen? The last time Taris had seen her. Age wasn't always relevant to elves, but she was still young. She'd hardly looked at him, still a young child trying to keep hold of the youth she'd lost when she was kidnapped. 

Taking in a deep breath she repressed her desire, turning to look at him for a split second before realizing it wasn't a good idea. The look on his face would destroy her resistance. In a final decision, she headed for the door. "We'll see each other, later, Taris." 

Once outside the library, door closed between them, she leaned against the wall and covered her face, shaking. 
"My Lady?" Aera jumped to see Paytin, holding a tray of tea, her eyes full of concern. "Are you well?"
The elf swallowed. "Yes." She lied. "I just... I need to lie down."
Paytin nodded and followed Aera to her chambers, where she set the tea down beside the bed and poured a cup.
The elf took it and sipped, clearly distracted. "I don't belong here."
Paytin turned. "My Lady?" The look the woman gave her was a sad one. Like she was fighting a war and realized she couldn't win. The maid wasn't sure what to say. "Uh... there was a messenger. The Prince was delayed by the rain, and will be home after dinner." Aera nodded over her tea. "Is there anything I can do for you, my Lady?"

For a while, Aera didn't answer, leaving the younger woman to stand awkwardly in waiting. "No, Paytin." She finally offered a small smile. "I just need company. Sit, drink with me."
Paytin nodded and sat, pouring herself a cup.