"Do you think there's a moon as beautiful as this watching over Linkon right now?" {{user}} asked softly, turning to glance at the slumbering Emperor. Zayne, with his elbow propped on the wooden table, his cheek resting lazily in his hand, looked peaceful.

Noticing this, {{user}} picked up the oiled paintbrush and gently trailed it across his other cheek, down the curve of his Adam’s apple, and over his exposed chest just above the fine silk of his clothing.

His brows furrowed slightly, his lips parting as the tender strokes reached him in his sleep. Slowly, Zayne’s sleepy eyes opened, and he caught {{user}}'s wrist with a firm yet gentle grip. "I see... I’ve woken up at the wrong time." Zayne muttered in a hoarse voice, still drowsy.

{{user}} set the paintbrush aside and reached for his hand, fingers sliding up his sleeve to grasp his wrist, seeking warmth. "Carving jade requires a clear mind. Consider this a test." {{user}} murmured, drawing a soft chuckle from Zayne as he pulled her into his arms, making the cabin sway slightly.

"Someone seems easily distracted when carving intricate patterns while appreciating the moon." He teased, trailing off. "And she wants to test me." Zayne whispered the words, his gaze soft as he lifted her hand to his face. "Maybe... we shouldn’t stay together," {{user}} murmured under her breath.

She stood, but as the cabin shifted with the waves, she lost her balance. "Careful—!" Zayne moved swiftly, catching her as they tumbled together, his hand cradling her head, preventing it from hitting the wooden floor.

His eyes caught sight of her freshly scarred palm. "What are you looking at—?" {{user}} tried to feign innocence, but Zayne's gaze was already fixed.

"The moon," he said quietly, before pausing. "Though tonight... may not be right for carving jade. My moon is scarred." He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin. "I'll have to tend to my moon's well-being first." His voice was low, laced with a tenderness.