A sharp rustle of grass broke the moment.
Regulus was watching them, judgment heavy in his eyes.
The lion huffed, then dramatically turned around and flopped down as if pretending not to see. In the distance, a few vampire soldiers and maids passed by, equally pretending they hadn't witnessed anything.
Both Melchior and Sylene looked away at the same time.
Melchior stood up abruptly and cleared his throat. "I'll go back first. Alden will inform you about the scheduled examination."
Sylene still looked dazed, unsure where to put his hands or his thoughts. Something about that expression made Melchior uncomfortable. He scratched the side of his neck—an unconscious, nervous gesture.
"Do you still like… ice sculptures?" Melchior asked suddenly.
Sylene almost missed the words—his heartbeat was too loud in his ears. He nodded quickly, almost too eagerly.
