So we could talk if you want, or just leave - or I could come back later and talk to him -

Don't mind talking about it, have no idea how to broach the subject.

'Advice on being less obvious would be appreciated'?

Mmhm.

I'd appreciate advice on how to be less obvious.

I don't know how much I can help you - Maitimë's a much better liar than I am - but - he bounces her the way she looks at Maitimë.

I wouldn't parse that if I saw it in a romantic movie and definitely don't know how to stop doing it without ceasing to look at her at all.

Hmm. Well, I don't think most people'd notice -

I can also just look at her less.

That'd probably help.

Okay. Thank you.

I am sure you've assessed the risks, but - be careful.

Yeah.

- shall we go -

Yeah, think so.

I love you.

She manages not to beam delightedly at her at all. 

And they go.

Once they're back at the palace she sits down and trembles just a little.

Hug.

Hug.

Isabella is a psion not an actress, news at eleven.

Not your fault - it's been bothering me for a while, really, there's so much at stake and what right do I have to just make myself happy -

Squeeze. If you want to stop -

Of course I don't want to stop, it's a question of whether I have any business letting what I want into the equation -

...I'd let you go but I'm not actually sure that 'mopey' is less conspicuous than 'possessive'.

Awww. Kiss?

Kiss.

Someday we'll fix it -