"[I]Math[/i]," she said, a haunted look in her eyes. "Numbers. The bane of my existence." She shook her head, breaking into a grin. "Fine. Cooking lessons by the beach sounds good." When he leaned back, she refilled her wine glass, sipping from it as she looked at him, a fond smile on her face as he made his offer. She laughed softly at his following threat. "Okay." She cleared her throat and raised her hand. "I, Akire, Empress of Amria, do solemnly swear that I won't eat all the cake you would give me."

Her thoughts went back to his hesitation earlier, wondering again if he had meant to say something else to her. But as much as she wanted to ask, she also didn't want to potential ruin dinner. She felt...warm. Content. She smiled, looking down at her finished plate, already looking forward to more evenings like this.