[Oh, but her kiss quenches something deep inside him, and as always he yearns to have more--and, as always, he pulls back. It's not that he's not ready to commit to her. He is hers, fully and always. It's himself he's unsure of. He hasn't even made the Offering to the Darkness yet. The time isn't right. And if he's not secure in himself, he can't offer her what she deserves. Someday, he will. Perhaps even some day soon.

But not yet.

For now, what he can offer her is a sweet kiss and as much of his company she's willing to have.]

Then I shall plan on it, and we will terrify every bookkeeper who is not expecting their Queen.

[He pulls her close against his side with one arm while using his free hand to grab and munch on some jammy biscuits. One wouldn't think paperwork would make one so hungry, but for some reason most of the accountants Vision had met weren't as dark-Jeweled as he was. And most dark-Jeweled males probably didn't expend their power making large projections and figures in the interests of maximizing trade in a way that would benefit all the Territory's citizens and not just the aristocrats.

Their loss.]

How about yourself? Are there any upcoming functions I'll need to attend as part of your Circle that I've not seen the invitations for yet?