Hiral's brows furrowed the moment the kiss landed.
His eyes opened.
And he scowled.
Alexis was still leaning close enough to feel the shift in expression, and the sight of that immediate, unmistakable scowl made him laugh.
"Good evening to you too," Alexis said lightly.
Hiral exhaled a slow sigh, then eyed Alexis's eager face.
"This time," he said calmly, "I believe I should be the one collecting a kiss."
Alexis blinked.
"Because," Hiral continued evenly, "a certain someone failed to keep their word."
Alexis winced.
"I—"
"Dinner together," Hiral reminded him mildly.
"Yes, I know, I know," Alexis said quickly, already lifting his hands in surrender. "I'm sorry. I truly am. I was caught up in some troublesome matters."
Hiral simply shrugged.
"I can imagine."
Alexis paused.
Hiral tilted his head slightly, his voice almost casual.
"You smell strongly of several different perfumes."
Alexis froze.
"It would seem," Hiral added thoughtfully, "you were engaged in another appointment more important than dining with a war prisoner."
His expression remained perfectly composed.
"Quite understandable."
Alexis immediately leaned forward.
"That's not—! Hiral, listen—"
He stopped mid-sentence.
Because Hiral's eyes were shining.
Just slightly.
With unmistakable amusement.
Alexis scoffed.
"Oh, so you're making fun of me now huh, Great General of the Empire."
"I would never, Your Majesty." Hiral stated as he exaggerated a deep bow.
Alexis eyed Hiral, then scoffed.
Hiral smirked.
Without further warning Alexis lunged forward to pull Hiral into a hug.
Hiral slipped sideways out of reach.
"Absolutely not."
Alexis grabbed again.
Missed again.
For several seconds the room became a quiet game of pursuit—Alexis circling the chair, Hiral stepping lightly out of his reach with effortless grace.
"You're insufferable," Alexis muttered.
"Why thank you. I could say the same to you, your Majesty," Hiral replied.
Alexis made another grab.
Hiral pivoted smoothly away.
Finally Hiral laughed—a low, warm sound—and stopped moving.
"Should I remind you, dear Majesty, that I shouldn't pursue extraneous activities."
The moment Hiral stilled, Alexis pulled him firmly into his arms.
"Indeed," he said with satisfaction.
Hiral let out a small huff but did not struggle.
Alexis tightened his hold just slightly.
"I really shouldn't give you any reason to run away from me," he said quietly.
The words carried more weight than the teasing tone from earlier.
They held truth not just for tonight.
But for the days ahead.
Hiral hummed softly in response.
Neither agreeing nor denying.
Just acknowledging.
After a moment, Alexis finally pulled back.
He glanced toward the door and called out, "Dinner."
Servants who had clearly been waiting nearby hurried to comply.
With great reluctance, Alexis released Hiral fully so the table could be set.
The trays were placed quickly, the servants retreating once more to leave them alone.
As Alexis moved toward the table, something caught his eye.
The embroidered handkerchief resting neatly nearby.
He picked it up immediately.
"This is mine," he declared without hesitation.
Hiral hadn't even opened his mouth yet.
Alexis held the cloth up triumphantly, examining the delicate stitching under the candlelight.
Hiral chuckled.
"You do realize," he said dryly, "it was meant for you."
Alexis glanced at him.
"Then I was correct to claim it before you could change your mind."
Hiral shook his head faintly.
"There is no need to act so possessive."
Alexis smiled as he studied the embroidery more closely.
The letter A.
The snowdrops.
The hawthorn blossoms.
Beautiful.
"Mine," Alexis murmured, clearly pleased as he ran his thumb lightly over the stitches.