A little Ed/Liana fluff is always welcome, I hope, even if the update is as short and long-awaited as this one?

"Healer Liana, you look beautiful this evening."

Liana froze, her hand clenching around the crystal goblet she held. The night had started perfectly; she had danced with both Edmund and Peter, Ronas had been particularly polite and she had successfully avoided Count Hirof, whom she knew to be in attendance.

At first, it had been easy enough. Even the High King had not recognized her. However, soon enough more people than she wanted knew her name and she was being asked to dance constantly when she wasn't otherwise occupied. Fortunately, a group of women from the Lone Islands had cornered her and though they were a tad bit more energetic than she, they were intelligent and curious about her work. It was a subject Liana enjoyed and she had gratefully allowed herself to be engaged in conversation.

Now, the woman in front of her excused herself and Liana was forced to turn around to acknowledge the Count. Having successfully avoided him for more than half the evening, she had been planning her escape until she heard his oily voice. Resisting the urge to run away, she curtseyed quickly and made herself spit out a word of thanks.

He continued talking as if he couldn't sense her annoyance at his presence. "I assume your brother informed you of my proposal?"

"He did," Liana's voice didn't betray the icy feeling in her chest. She didn't even look at him. "I'm sure you're aware that my answer wasn't going to change just because you had the audacity to ask my brother instead of me."

"I understood that that is how things were done in your country."

"We're not in my country anymore, my lord."

"Of course. Naturally, I assumed that your family still adhered to those customs."

"It doesn't matter what you assumed, my answer will not change."

"You're making a mistake," his voice was calm. Liana had to give him credit where it was due; throughout their acquaintance, she had never once seen him angry. "I am sure you are aware, Healer Liana, that the royals will not keep you as their charity case forever. They have their pick of nobles, and whatever you may like to believe, you are not a noble anymore."

Liana blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You must know of the things that are said of you."

"I am sure I haven't the faintest idea."

"Then I have said too much. Excuse me."

Liana fought to keep her voice calm. "I don't appreciate your constant need to pry into my business, Your Grace."

"I am merely stating facts. Forgive me if I offend you." He bowed.

Her eyes narrowed. The Count was tall, though shorter than Edmund. His dark eyes, dark hair and dark skin spoke of him having done some time in manual labor, because no noble she had ever met even faintly resembled him. Perhaps the slave trade was where he got his patience from. Nevertheless, Liana wasn't interested in finding out. She curtseyed again, gave him a cold look and walked away. The doors to the balconies had been opened and she drifted outside, breathing in the salty sea air. It helped to clear her head.

"That took longer than I expected."

Liana jumped and whirled around at the unfamiliar voice. Her hand, which had ventured into the folds of her dress to retrieve her dagger, fell limply to her side. It was Lyra, the cheetah that had delivered her necklace. Her golden eyes twinkled as Liana sighed. "Did he send you here?"

If cheetah's could smile, Lyra would be grinning. "Kind Edmund assumed that after your unavoidable confrontation with the Honorable Count Hirof, you would enjoy some fresh air. I was to keep watch for you."

Liana's eyes narrowed. "That was unnecessary, I am quite all right."

"I do not doubt your ability to look after yourself, Healer Liana," there was a trace of amusement in the cheetah's voice. "My King said I was to summon him when you were alone."

"Oh," Liana blinked. "Well, I…" she trailed off helplessly.

Lyra made a sound that was probably the equivalent of a laugh. "Excuse me, Healer Liana."

Liana turned back to the railing and gazed out at the shoreline. The patch of trees was just visible near the horizon, where Edmund had first taken her. It had been a nice way to spend the afternoon. Any time spent with him was nice. She refused to allow herself to consider how long it could go on like this. Of all people, Count Hirof would not be the one to ruin her night.

"Liana."

His voice was so soothing. She couldn't help but sigh as his arm encircled her waist and pulled her back against his chest. She felt his lips press a soft kiss to her temple and entwined her fingers with his free hand. He raised their linked hands and touched the necklace she wore. "You look so beautiful."

A small smile tugged at her lips. "Your jewels transformed me for one night, Edmund. I'll be back in white tomorrow."

"I prefer you that way. And," he kissed her neck. "The jewels are yours."

"You're giving them to me?"

"You did say you'd accept something as long as it was pretty."

"I didn't think you'd take me seriously."

"Of course I did."

"You're spoiling me."

"You are already spoilt. And I would much rather you wear jewels I've given you than someone else."

"You're sweet," she turned around in his arms and smiled. His hair was messy. She brushed it out of his eyes. "I will forever wonder what I ever did to deserve you."

"I'm glad you have forever to wonder at that," Edmund kissed the tip of her nose. The gesture was so automatic and affectionate that Liana wanted to cry. When he leaned in for a full kiss, she couldn't bring herself to push him away.

"I feel like I haven't done this in the longest time," whispered Edmund as they pulled apart. He pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. His breathing was ragged. "Does it feel that way to you?"

"Always."

"I wish it wouldn't."

Liana sighed. "The complications that would arise-"

Edmund cut her off with another kiss, and though Liana resented being interrupted she didn't have the heart to push him away. As she knotted her fingers through his hair, she felt his hands grip her waist to hold her close. Even though she knew it was highly inappropriate and the risk of someone walking in on them was great, it would be impossible to pull back. The way she was clinging to him was not something that could be easily hidden if they were discovered, but she didn't want to be the one to break the embrace. She had no words to describe the feeling that enveloped her every time they kissed, but she loved it.

"It has definitely been too long," Edmund's voice was hoarse.

Liana felt like giggling, but she kept her eyes closed. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Edmund pressed a kiss to her cheek. "You really are incorrigible," she murmured when he finally pulled back to look into her face. "Someone will see us."

"Let them."

"You don't mean that," she sighed and stepped back from him. "Your siblings have been very kind in letting me attend. I do not want to make anyone uncomfortable."

Edmund frowned, but didn't comment. He reached for her hand. "What did the Count say?"

"Nothing of consequence."

"Was he rude to you?"

"He is always perfectly polite."

Edmund's tone was flat and left no room for argument. "Tell me what he said."

Liana sighed and reluctantly recounted her conversation in a few words. When she was done, Edmund's face was dark. She sighed. "You are angry."

"With good reason. How dare-"

Liana held up a hand. Edmund reluctantly kept silent. "You don't have to fight my battles for me, Edmund. I've been handling him for a long time."

"You shouldn't have to deal with him now," he ran a hand through his hair, making it even more disheveled. Liana swatted his hand away and combed through the mess with her fingers, trying to fix it. Edmund smiled a little at the gesture but continued speaking. "I am serious, Liana. He would not speak to you this way if he knew about us."

"Maybe not in front of you," said Liana. She finished tidying up his hair and offered him a small smile when their eyes locked. "But people will always talk and I don't think any retaliation would benefit either you or me. Besides, this is as scandalous as it gets, don't you think?"

"No, I don't."

"Because you don't know how nobles think. Fortunately, you have an insider," she winked and tapped her forehead with her index finger. "Gossip is something you get used to," his expression remained dark. Liana sighed and entwined their fingers together. "Let them talk, King Edmund. I know the minds of these people more than you think. They won't stop, no matter what you try to say or do. But you know where my heart belongs, despite it all."

"That's not what I'm worried about," he raised their links hands and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "I don't want anything they say to hurt you."

"It won't."

"I know it will, Liana. Promise me that you'll come find me yourself next time the Count approaches you."

Liana sighed. "Why is that necessary?"

"Because I want you to know that I will always be here for you," he said earnestly. "Please, tell me you will come to me on your own next time, even if it is for my own peace of mind."

"I appreciate the sentiment, King Edmund, but-"

"I'm not asking you to do this as your king," his eyes burned with an intensity she couldn't bear to look at. "You know exactly what I mean when I say that I need to know."

Liana let out a shaky breath. "Very well. I promise."

"Thank you," he reached in for another kiss, but kept it short. "I asked Lyra to wait outside the door. She won't let anyone in, if you want to be alone."

Liana smiled against his lips. "Do you have to go?"

"Only if you ask me to."

"Don't," her voice was only a soft murmur, but he heard.

"Your wish is my command."