Hearing those words, Vivian leaned closer to him, her head resting comfortably against his shoulder as they walked slowly along the lantern-lit path back toward the palace.
The night air was cool and fragrant with blooming night flowers.
"We just need to wait three months, huh? Then, how much time are you going to spend there? A week, two?" she commented softly, her voice carrying a note of quiet hope.
Aestrea hesitated for a moment, then gently shook his head.
"It might be much longer than that… unfortunately."
Vivian slowed her steps, eventually stopping completely on the path. She turned to face him fully, her deep black eyes searching his face with growing concern.
"What do you mean?"
Aestrea sighed softly and took both of her hands in his, holding them gently but firmly.
