Ragnar and Circe slipped away from the ballroom and stepped into the night's cold air. The warmth and glitter of chandeliers fell away behind them, replaced by the hush of the gardens and the soft whisper of leaves stirred by a passing breeze.
Their hands remained clasped as they strolled along the winding stone path, surrounded by lush hedges and moon-washed blooms that gleamed faintly under the stars. As they walked, a sense of peace settled between them, a tender feeling that neither of them wished would end.
Still, curiosity had been gnawing at Circe from the moment he had guided her outside. She glanced up at him now, that same curiosity shining plainly in her eyes, softened by something warmer beneath it.
"Is there a real reason you brought us out here?" she asked playfully, unable to help herself.
