separate ways

When he pulled her close she beamed brighter than ever, cheeks flushing with excitement sparked with a tad of relief. She felt safe, complete, seen. There was much to discuss but she was rather content being in the moment and she knew he wasn't particular when she divulged or even if she got around to sharing the real reason why she'd shown up after all of these years. He always does. She looked around as they left the repository, admiring what he had a hand in reforming in the last three odd years. His dedication was vividly evident. 

Into the greenhouse they pathed, perfumed blooms tickling their every sense. She spotted the lone flower almost immediately, it being at the forefront of her thoughts for the moment. The dazzling blue petals displayed neatly at the crest of the stem, each one perfectly formed. Aethra leaned down to inhale the unusual flower. She straightened back to her full height, an entire inch above him. Nothing quite so substantial. Her expression turned solemn. How much do you know about Antivan politics? She ventured, diving straight into the deep end. Did he knew what she'd been up to in their separation? Did he know who she was? Catching his eye once more, she started to talk further into the greenhouse, attention on the floral residents.