The lights in the palace were low, as you meticulously continued your stitching of numerous dresses. Dresses for Paedyn. The first ball, the second ball, and if she won.. the third ball. And then she could come home. To the Fort.

And she could meet Mak. Or, ‘Your Boy’ as Ellie calls him. Your boy, you blush, causing a needle to prick your finger. You frown looking down at the droplet of blood and wipe it on a tissue. And then you hear a rustle.

You look up, locks of hair falling before your eyes. The moment you see that small smile, you drop whatever skirt you’re stitching and the pin discarded too. “Mak.” You whisper, a small smile on your lips. He walks over, in the Imperial uniform you made for him.

He smiles and brings you in for a hug. You melt into his embrace, all thoughts forgotten. What stitches you’d do for the slit, how you’d incorporate a dagger strap.. forgotten.

You inhale his chest, and feel like home. Charcoal and fire, and something distinctly him, masculine. His hand cups your head and drops a kiss to the crown of your head. “Guess what,” he murmurs against your hair.

“What?” You look up. He smiles gently. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

Your eyes light up in a way he adores and he, without thoughts strokes the skin under your eye for a moment. The smile straightens a little, “You have to actually guess.” You roll your eyes. “I don’t know.”

He pulls out a sticky bun, and places it in your hands. “You’re getting too expensive.”