Silence, you Uneducated Peanut

Rafael led Adaria down the winding path, his grip on her hand steady and warm. The sounds of the movers faded into the distance, replaced by the soft rustle of leaves and the faint murmur of a stream. His gaze flicked to her occasionally, catching the way her shoulders eased, her tension slowly melting away.

I’ll let you in on a little secret, he said, his tone light but carrying a quiet sincerity. This spot? I only found it after I started visiting you in Orlais. It’s not exactly marked on a map, but I needed somewhere to breathe... somewhere that wasn’t court intrigue and stifling nobles. So, yeah, it’s kind of my escape. But now? He glanced at her, his smile softening. Now it feels like it’s worth sharing.

The path opened into a small, sunlit clearing. At its heart was a flat stone, ringed by wildflowers swaying in the breeze. A stream wound lazily along one side, the water sparkling as it caught the sunlight filtering through the trees.

Rafael stepped aside, letting her take it in. What do you think? Quiet enough? He grinned, his tone teasing but his eyes searching hers for a reaction.

He moved to the rock, patting the spot beside him. Come on, Addy. No scheming brothers, no movers, no expectations. Just us. For a little while, anyway.

Settling back, he tilted his head, the teasing edge returning. Unless you want to fill the quiet with more ‘hypothetical’ death plots. In which case, I might have to rethink this whole sharing idea.

The playful grin lingered, but his gaze held a steady warmth, inviting her to let go—if only for now.

@Adaria Campana