They ate leisurely, the warmth of the stew mingling with the gentle ease of Lyn's company. There were no courtiers here, no watchful admirals, no carefully weighed words. Each spoonful, each quiet laugh, made the tensions of the past months recede further into the background. Arthur felt himself relaxing in ways he hadn't known he'd forgotten.
"Have you decided if you're staying permanently?" Arthur asked lightly, watching her refill his bowl without hesitation.
Lyn's smile widened briefly, her eyes twinkling with subtle amusement. "You'd like that, wouldn't you, White?"
He let the question hang, responding with a spin of his fork that answered her better than words.
When the meal ended, she rose gracefully and gestured for him to follow. "Come, let me show you around. It's modest, really."
