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For a playful sort like Phina, an invitation from Princess Caeda out to one of Askr’s luxurious beachrealms—drawing out her, Kris,
and
her rival, all together as one—held both promise and peril. On the one hand, she was guaranteed a lovely few days of relaxation in the sun – no looming threats of war hanging heavy in the air and weighing her down, and no nagging worries about the future,
her
future, keeping her from enjoying the present.
But, on the other… the temptation for mischief was simply too great, and the opportunities all too plentiful. She was, by her own admission, a free spirit… and no matter how well-intentioned she might have usually been, that spirit had a tendency to run wild, dragging others along for the ride.
Kris, the poor thing, felt the brunt of her whims on the first day, when Caeda had been catching up wtih Norne. She’d looked so
fetching
in her swimsuit—the orange jacket an adorable touch over the tight blue fabric—and so Phina couldn’t resist the chance to steal her away, to show her off, and to offer her up…
mostly
in jest… to a whole host of lovely ladies.
“Come on, Kris!” she purred, with a little wink. “There’s so many beautiful, talented,
experienced
women here… all
very
eager to get to know His Majesty’s most trusted knight a little more intimately…”
“Phina, I… I really don’t—”
“Ah! Queen Micaiah, Emperor Edelgard – out here together, are we? I wonder… have you two met my friend here, Kris?”
“Phina, I really think—”
“Oh—you’re Shez, right? Oh, and the Divine One herself, from Elyos – and Princess Ivy, too! Wow… what a delight, to catch
all
of you here! This is Kris, by the way! She’s a knight from Altea, and she’s
really
good at—”
“Phina—”
“Co-ee! Princess Eirika, Princess Camilla! Looking lovely as always, ladies! Say, are you two…
free
at all, right now? Kris was just saying she’d like to make some new friends, and she has a
soft spot
for royalty—”
“PHINA!”
Kris’s face, by the end of it all, was bright red and burning fiercely – and Phina, grinning and giggling to herself, knew she’d gone far enough for one day. It was only with some reluctance that she’d helped Kris back to the house Princess Caeda had arranged for them all, and into a comfy chair with a cold drink, where Kris could scold her to her heart’s content.
She’d been too delighted to feel all that guilty. And besides… Kris was such a sweetheart, even when she was a little cross, that it was hardly any punishment at all.
“What
am
I going to do with you, mm…?” Kris sighed – letting a hand thread through Phina’s hair as the dancer rested her head on the armrest, smirking up at her. “Hand me off too readily, and I’ll start to wonder whether you’re really as interested as you say…”
Phina chuckled. “Don’t you worry, my sweet knight… You know I’ve only got eyes for you. And, well…
just
for you, I might be willing to rein it in a little…”
“Only a little…?” Kris replied, with a small smile.
“I mean… I have to keep one step ahead of a certain
someone,
don’t I…? She’s catching up rather too fast… and who
knows
what kind of advice Princess Caeda is whispering into her ears, today…?”
“… Y-yes. Perhaps a little… friendly
competition
is good for the both of you,” Kris said, as her fingers began to stroke through the pink tresses. “But, Phina… this is supposed to be a break from it all, isn’t it? Shouldn’t that also include a break from, well… your
rivalry?”
Phina’s smile softened – touched, as she always was, by Kris’s gentle, selfless nature.
“It’s true that we’ve been going a little too hard at each other,” she murmured. “And… you know, it
is
a bit silly, when you think about it. If we both care for the same person, I mean. But… when the prize is so wonderful, so
precious…
can you blame a girl for getting a little carried away…?”
Kris chuckled, in that adorably shy way of hers.
“No,” she said. “No, I suppose not. Still, I…
do
hope you can be kind to her, Phina. I know you can be such a sweet girl, when you want to be… so I think she deserves a chance to see that, too.”
Phina blinked, a touch surprised.
Then she smiled again – and reached forward, smoothing her hand up the curve of Kris’s chest and under her jacket.
She was more than a little delighted to feel Kris shiver.
“You know,” she said, “you’re the only one in the world who could convince me to share, Kris. But, if you’d like me to make it a promise… maybe you should take off that cute little jacket, and give me a little motivation…”
The blush that spread across Kris’s cheeks, so warm and lovely, was all she could have wished for.
“Gods—gods, the
nerve
of ya, Phee…! Draggin’ her around like she’s some kinda trophy, some… some
thing
for ya to show off, or give away, willy-nilly… I oughta—!”
For all Phina’s assurances to Kris—and the so very
delightful
way they’d sealed them, in the end—the second day had started as so many others had – with Norne’s voice, shrill and indignant, being lost to Phina’s giggling, and with the pair of them arguing over the same thing they
always
argued over.
Only, today, that person wasn’t around to defuse the situation, to pull them apart and sit them down—Princess Caeda had seen to that, deciding that today was Kris’s turn for a little alone time with her—and so Phina had all but relished the opportunity to tease and spar with her rival; to push the limits of her patience, and to play upon her pride.
She knew, after all, that Norne was more than capable of giving as good as she got.
“Oh, come on, Norne,” she purred. “You know I’d never give her
away,
really… not in a million years. But the way everyone’s faces lit up… the way they all looked so
eager
to get to know her… Oh, it’s no wonder
we’re
fighting over her. Given the chance, every lady in the Order would be lining up for—”
“Don’t ya dare, now,” Norne hissed. “Don’t ya
dare
start treatin’ her like… like some sack of meat, or… or a… a
toy!
She’s a person, damn it… she’s… she’s
our
friend, and our… our…”
She trailed off, then; a flush creeping across her cheeks.
And Phina, unable to resist, couldn’t help but smile wider.
“I hear you, Norne,” she said. “She’s special. She shouldn’t be treated like that – paraded about, even just as a bit of fun. So, next time the urge takes me… I’ll just have to show you off instead!”
Norne’s blush deepened, and she spluttered.
“M-me—?! What’s that s’posed to mean—?!”
“It means just that, silly!” Phina replied, still smiling. “C’mon, Norne, they’ll
love
you – that cute accent of yours, and your sweet country girl charm, and the way you get all flustered at a single wink…”
“N-no,” Norne managed, even as her face burned fiercely. “No, I… I ain’t ready for that. It don’t matter how many cuties there are out there… I know who I want, Phee, and I… I only wanna give my heart to her.”
“Aww. Not even to me?”
Phina couldn’t help herself. But Norne’s blush receded, just a little… and she fixed Phina with a look that was unusually thoughtful.
“…Y’know,” she said, “every time ya say stuff like that, I never know if you’re serious ‘bout it.”
“Oh?” Phina asked, mirroring Norne’s expression. “What if I am?”
“Then… well…” Norne’s gaze flickered elsewhere. “I’d tell ya it’s hard to believe. Hard to imagine you and I… I mean, I’m sure we could—y’know. If we really had to. And… and, Princess Caeda
was
sayin’, yesterday…”
Her voice trailed off – then, as if catching herself, she swallowed hard, and gave a little shake of her head.
“P-point is…! I… I’d just need a little time, is all. An’… an’ maybe a drinks. A lot of drinks…”
“Drinks, huh…?” Phina replied – her smile returning in full. “Well, since Kris is off doing goodness-knows-what with Princess Caeda… maybe you and I could spend a bit of time together. Just the two of us. We could have a few drinks… and see where the evening takes us.”
For a long moment, Norne looked at her – flushed and uncertain.
And then, finally, her expression softened… and she sighed, and smiled.
“Alright,” she said. “Alright, then, Phee. Let’s go have us some fun.”
Phina giggled – and then, with a subtle, drifting hand, she gave Norne’s ass a soft little smack and squeeze.
It was, perhaps, a bit of a cruel trick. But the squeak that escaped Norne’s lips, there and then, was worth the world.
On the third day, at last, Caeda had come looking for Phina – leaving Kris and Norne to finally spend some time alone together after two days of anything but.
It was a strange novelty, Phina thought, to enjoy tropical drinks instead of their usual tea. And yet… the atmosphere was still very much the same. The two of them, relaxed and comfortable, in the company of a friend – sharing secrets and stories, and all the little things that neither of them might have told anyone else.
Caeda, she immediately found, was
still
so good at finding openings for a little teasing.
“You were all over poor Norne last night, as I’ve heard it told,” Caeda said, with a giggle – the faintest hint of mischief in her eyes. “Or, was she the one all over you…? A little drink goes a long way, I suppose…”
“We didn’t go
that
far, Your Majesty,” Phina replied, with a playful pout. “She was still talking about Kris, even when we got to dancing… and even when I had my hands all over her. I have to admit… I was hoping for a little more.”
“Oh?” Caeda’s smile widened, just a touch. “And… did you have something particular in mind?”
Phina chuckled, almost ruefully – and took another long sip of her drink before setting it aside.
“Just the very same as with
any
pretty girl, Your Majesty,” she sighed. “Present company
very
much included…”
Caeda’s laughter, light and soft, brought a flutter to her chest.
“My, my… You do have a lot of love to give, don’t you, Phina?” she said, resting her chin on her hand. “Well – don’t you worry too much. I’m quite certain that, sooner or later… Norne will open up to you, in the way you found yourself hoping for.”
With the last of her drink finished, Caeda set her own glass aside – and, with a soft, almost wistful expression, she turned her gaze out towards the beach.
“The sea is
always
picturesque here, yet… this afternoon, it seems especially lovely. Perhaps you’d like to join me on a little outing, Phina? Just the two of us… enjoying the view…”
Phina, of course, had agreed at once – so stirred by Caeda’s tone, and just the subtlest hint of suggestion in her words. And so, the two of them had left the house together, and set out into the morning sun, and along the beach.
It
was
a lovely day for it, as Caeda had said; even as Phina had started to suspect there was something a little unreal about the Beachrealm, a little too perfect. But that was no matter. It was, after all, a place for relaxing and enjoying oneself… and, as she’d increasingly learned, a place for openness and honesty.
And so, as they walked, Phina had spoken her mind.
“You know, Your Highness,” she said, “don’t think I’ve noticed what you’ve been up to. Splitting the three of us up, one day at a time… making sure we all have
equal
time, and equal opportunity for fun… Even out here, you can’t help but play matchmaker.”
Caeda, walking by her side, gave a soft, light giggle.
“Oh, dear… you’ve seen right through me, Phina,” she replied, with a small, sly smile. “I
can’t
help it, truly. There’s nothing quite as lovely as the sight of two people growing closer and closer, until finally something wonderful blossoms… so just imagine how it is with
three
people, and that delightfully restless flow of feelings between them. Why, it’s enough to make a girl’s head spin!”
“I’m sure,” Phina said, with a smirk. “You’ve been setting the scene… nudging me and Norne closer together, all this time… making sure that, when it comes to it, Kris might not
need
to choose. Gods help me, too, because it’s clearly starting to work – but, Your Highness, do you really think it could be so simple…?”
“Why, yes. Of course I do.”
Phina blinked – taken aback by the sincerity of Caeda’s tone.
“Love is a wonderful thing, of course,” Caeda went on. “A beautiful,
brilliant
thing. But just because it can do so much, for so many people, doesn’t mean it needs to be complicated. You and Norne have so very much in common, even beyond your love for Kris… and I truly think that, if you’d only give it a chance, you’d see just how much happiness there could be between you.”
She smiled, then, in that warm, soft way that Phina had come to know so well, and turned to Phina, taking her hand – meeting her gaze, and holding her in place.
“When the three of you are together,” she said, “you’re all just
radiant.
I can’t be the only one who sees it. You all love each other, in your own ways… and I’m sure you’re going to live such wonderful lives together, when everything back home is settled. So, dear… don’t let doubt cloud your heart. Trust in the way your life is unfolding, and keep walking forward – and, when the time comes, have courage, and be honest… with them, and with yourself.”
She brought her other hand up, and pressed it against Phina’s chest, resting it over her beating heart.
“Be honest with yourself, Phina,” she said again, “about what you really want.”
And Phina, held in that gentle embrace, felt a warmth spread through her body. Caeda’s eyes were so blue, and so bright… like the sky, and the sea.
“Your Highness, I…”
She breathed, deeply, and chuckled.
“You’re really far too good at that, you know… making a girl’s heart flutter, and inspiring a little love.”
Caeda giggled, light and sweet.
“I do try,” she replied – her hand lingering for a moment longer, and her smile fond. “Now… shall we find a nice spot of shade to sit and chat for a while, dear? I’m just dying to know how you and Norne got along last night…”
Phina sighed, with an odd mixture of resignation and contentment.
“Sure,” she said. “Why not…?”
She’d long ago accepted, after all, that there was no refusing Princess Caeda – and, truth be told, it wasn’t like she was complaining. The walk, after all, offered a perfect opportunity to sneak glances at the princess’s figure, and to enjoy the sight of her in a swimsuit – the fabric hugging her curves, and the vivid red and gold making her shine like a gemstone—
Caeda’s hand, in that moment, slipped down Phina’s side, coming to rest on her waist – and the shift in contact was so wonderfully
intimate
that Phina felt her face warm, and a shudder run up her spine.
So, of course, she reciprocated. Let her own hand slip down, to rest against Caeda’s ass, and squeeze just enough to be felt.
“Oh, my…” Caeda purred, not missing a beat. “Careful, my dear. I’m a taken woman, you know… even if he’s given me
full
permission to play around…”
“Has he, now?” Phina asked, with a smirk. “Well, in that case…”
She leaned in, closer and closer – until her lips brushed Caeda’s ear, and her voice dropped to a whisper.
“Lovely as your swimsuit is, Your Highness… do you think you could take it off, and let me have a
proper
look at you…?”
It was Caeda’s turn to shudder – and to giggle, in that delightfully sinful way of hers, as they walked on together.
“I can see why poor Norne loses her composure around you,” she said. “You really don’t hold back, do you…?”
Phina’s grin widened, and she let her hand trail higher, up and around the small of Caeda’s back – where the swimsuit opened, and the princess’s smooth skin felt hot to the touch.
“Well… you did say I should be honest about what I want, Your Highness. And all these little talks of ours, both here and back home… oh, but they have a way of stirring up a girl’s appetite…”
“Mm… They certainly do,” Caeda hummed. “You know… I really had thought only to find a quiet spot along the shore. But, if you’d like to see more of me, my lovely Phina… there’s a secluded cove not so far from here, and I can
vouch
for its privacy.”
“Oh, I’m sure you can,” Phina replied. “Lead on, then, Your Highness. It’s about time you showed me your true colours…”
Phina had, of course, expected Caeda to be every bit as radiant without her swimsuit. The princess was a vision in anything she wore… and so it came as no surprise at all that she was breathtaking in the nude, with her slender figure on full display.
What
did
surprise her, though, was just how much Caeda seemed to be enjoying herself – and how quickly she had suggested Phina follow suit, and shed her swimsuit as well.
So, in Phina’s usual way… she made a dance of it. Let the fabric fall away from her skin, piece by piece, in a slow, playful strip; moving her body to the rhythm of the waves, and to the music spun by Caeda’s sweet laughter.
Caeda’s eyes had followed her every movement. Had drunk in the sight of her, as Phina’s hands trailed down her own body; her fingers lingering, for brief yet tantalising moments, between her thighs and over the swell of her ass. The princess was a shamelessly captive audience – and as Phina showed off, her voice had dripped with heady admiration.
“You’re so beautiful, Phina,” she breathed. “The sight of you… the way you
move…
oh, I could watch you forever…”
Phina was no stranger to compliments. From friends, from lovers, and from unrequited admirers, she’d heard all manner of praise – some of it more welcome than others. But there was something
different
in the way Caeda expressed herself, with such clear-eyed candour and a voice like honey… something in the way her hand slipped over her breast, and her legs spread ever so slightly wider… something in the way her body shivered and shuddered, and her lips curled into a smile, as she watched Phina dance and undress for her.
She was, Phina realised, not only enjoying herself… but truly
appreciating
her.
“Goodness…” Caeda went on, as the very last of Phina’s swimsuit fell to the sand. “I can’t help but be envious of Kris and Norne… to think, they have
this
all to themselves…”
“You flatter me, Your Highness,” Phina said, with a grin. “But we both know you’re more than welcome to a piece or two yourself…”
Caeda’s gaze, then, drifted lower – and Phina, following her eyes, felt herself blush. It was, she realised, a little late to be ashamed… but the way Caeda had been looking at her, every step and twirl of the way, had a way of stirring up all manner of feelings, even in someone as shameless as she was.
“…Why don’t we lie down together, my dear?” Caeda murmured, at length. “I think you’ll find the sun feels loveliest when you can let it wash over every inch of you…”
It was, as ever, a tempting offer. And so Phina had obliged, without a word, and let herself be led deeper into the cove – to a set of towels that, it seemed, had already been laid out from some previous outing. She’d lain herself down, and stretched out, and let her arms fall to her sides as Caeda had nestled in close to her.
And… gods, the princess’s body was warm. So
wonderfully
warm. Even the sun itself, beating down on her bare skin, seemed to pale in comparison – and as hot breath tickled her ear, and a tender hand began to trail up along her leg, she’d found herself biting her lip in anticipation.
“You know, my dear,” Caeda whispered, “love can take many forms. And, while it’s true that I’ve pledged myself to Prince Marth, and you’ve pledged yourself to Kris… I think a certain type of love can still bloom through the bonds of friendship, don’t you agree?”
Phina chuckled, then; half from amusement, and half from the way Caeda’s fingers were drawing circles on her inner thigh, closer and closer to her core.
“That’s a charming way of saying you’re in the mood for a little fun with a friend, Your Highness,” she said, with a smile. “It’s just as well you’re so dangerously irresistible… and that your prince is so very
generous
with you…”
“Marth is very special to me,” Caeda murmured. “As are you, my dear. So, if only for today… let’s cast aside our cares and concerns, and simply
enjoy
ourselves.”
And Phina, who couldn’t have agreed more, found herself leaning in – bringing her lips, for the very first time, against Caeda’s own.
It was a soft kiss. Slow. Tender, and sincere. And yet, as her eyes fell shut, and she let herself be swept away, it felt to Phina like a dream come true. A moment far,
far
too long in the making – and one that, with a sudden surge of passion, quickly gave way to deeper desire.
Caeda was the one to pull her close; to draw Phina up so that she was straddling Caeda’s hips. Phina settled easily into her new position atop the princess – and, as her hands came to rest on Caeda’s shoulders, Caeda’s own touch slid up her thighs and around her ass, pulling her flush.
“Phina…” Caeda breathed, as the first kiss finally broke – her eyes soft, and her smile warm. “My lovely, lovely Phina… I must confess, I’ve wondered how you might taste from the day you let me into your heart…”
“Mm. And what’s the verdict, Your Highness?” Phina whispered, with a smile of her own. “Am I sweet like a treat, or a little more tart…?”
Caeda’s laugh, so bright and clear, was like music to her ears.
“Why don’t we try again, just to be sure…?” she replied – and Phina, ever so willing, leaned in once more.
This time, as their lips met and parted, there was no hesitation. Only hunger. Caeda’s tongue slipped into Phina’s mouth, and Phina met it with her own, tasting and teasing and toying, again and again, as their bodies pressed flush together, and their hands roamed and explored.
Caeda’s grip on Phina’s ass tightened – squeezing, and kneading, and drawing a moan from Phina’s lips that the princess lapped up eagerly. And Phina, in kind, let a hand wander down Caeda’s body to cup one of her soft, firm breasts – tweaking the nipple until Caeda broke away with a gasp, and a blissful shudder.
“Oh, my…” she purred, her eyes lidded and half-closed, and her cheeks flushed. “Not that I’m in
any
position to judge, but… you’re rather forward, dear…”
Phina chuckled.
“Forward’s the only way I know, Your Highness,” she replied – shifting a little in Caeda’s lap, so that she could bring her other hand down, and between the princess’s legs. “Besides, if you’ve been
craving
me… then it’d hardly do to keep you waiting, would it?”
“Ah… You’re a
gift,
Phina. Truly…”
Caeda’s voice rose, and she moaned – as, ever so gently, Phina let a finger slip inside of her. Her hands, in turn, moved to Phina’s hips, and her fingers dug in tight… but the little gasps and sighs she let out, with every motion of Phina’s finger, were nothing short of
delightful.
And so Phina had taken her time, exploring and savouring every little sound she drew out of the princess as she pumped her finger in and out.
It was, she had to admit, quite a sight to behold – the usually elegant and composed Caeda reduced to a panting, writhing mess, her eyes half-lidded and her lips parted as Phina worked in deeper and deeper. And, when a second finger joined the first, and began to thrust in tandem, Caeda’s voice rose to a wondrous cry.
“O-oh—oh,
Phina…”
“Mm… that’s it, Your Highness…” Phina purred. “Let yourself go. Let me take care of you…”
“I… I—oh,
gods…”
Caeda’s hips bucked, then, as she rode Phina’s fingers – and Phina, sensing her need, let her thumb brush against the princess’s clit, sending another jolt through her body. She was close already, Phina knew. So close. And yet, even in the midst of her pleasure, she was still looking at Phina with that same fondness in her eyes, and that same warmth in her smile.
And so, as Caeda’s moans grew louder and more desperate, Phina leaned in once more – capturing Caeda’s cries in another deep, passionate kiss, and drinking them up as she brought the princess over the edge and into bliss.
They remained there, like that, for a time afterwards – with Phina’s fingers still buried deep in Caeda, and Caeda’s breath coming in soft, shallow pants.
But when, at last, Phina pulled out and drew away, Caeda hardly missed a beat – and was on her in an instant, pushing her onto her back and pinning her to the ground with a fierce, determined gaze.
“My lovely, lovely Phina…” she breathed. “I can’t help but think it would be rude of me not to return the favour…”
And Phina, though she’d never been the bashful sort, felt a little exposed – as Caeda shifted again, sliding down between her legs, and placed a brief, loving kiss on her inner thigh.
“A-ah, Your Highness… You’re really too—nngh… t-too good to me…”
“Am I?” Caeda asked, with a smile. “My dear… how could anyone ever be
too
good to a girl like you?”
Phina laughed – even as her cheeks flushed crimson.
“Y-you know… it’s funny,” she said. “I’ve always thought of myself as a giver, not a taker. I like being in control… knowing just how to touch, and tease, and play a girl like a harp. But, being like this… gods, I’m not really used to being on the
other
end of things…”
Caeda’s smile widened.
“Then allow me to show you a different sort of pleasure,” she said. “The pleasure of being able to let go… and to surrender yourself to another.”
And, with that, Caeda’s mouth descended upon Phina – her tongue slipping out to lick and lap at her folds, and to tease her clit, as her hands curled around Phina’s thighs, holding her in place.
“O-ohh…”
Phina’s head fell back, and her eyes slipped shut – as Caeda began to work her magic. Her tongue was deft and nimble, flicking and swirling and circling with an expertise that had Phina gasping and moaning within moments. And Caeda, for her part, seemed to be enjoying herself just as much – her eyes closed and her face flushed as she worked at Phina’s entrance, drinking in her juices as if they were the sweetest nectar.
“Y-Your Highness… C-Caeda… Ah, that’s—hnn…!”
Phina couldn’t help but whimper as Caeda’s tongue delved deeper, probing and teasing; coaxing her open, little by little, and inviting her to enjoy herself. And enjoy herself she did – her legs spreading wider, and her hips lifting to meet Caeda’s mouth, as a hand came down to thread through her hair and hold her close.
“Ah… hah,
nngh…
C-Caeda…
Caeda…!”
Her moans were growing louder, now – and Caeda seemed to be spurred on by them, redoubling her efforts as she lapped at Phina’s folds, and sucked and nibbled at her clit. It was a dizzying sensation, and Phina felt herself growing light-headed as the pleasure mounted, higher and higher, until she was teetering, at last, on the edge of orgasm…
And then, with a final, powerful thrust of Caeda’s tongue, she came; hard, and long, and loud.
A moment every bit as perfect as Caeda herself.
She was still shuddering through the aftershocks when Caeda finally drew back, licking her lips – and looking down at her with a gaze both tender and mischievous.
“Was that to your liking, my dear?” she asked, with a giggle. “I daresay your reactions were every bit as sweet as Kris’s…”
Phina paused, for a moment as she lay there in the afterglow – as Caeda’s words washed over her. As the implication set in.
Then, she laughed, too.
“I’m not the first to spring this trap, huh?” she asked, breathlessly. “I knew you were dangerous, Your Highness… but I’m starting to think you’re worse than
I
am…”
“Poor Norne was a little too shy to indulge,” Caeda said, with a smile. “But, yes… Kris and I found ourselves here, just yesterday. And, once we’d gotten comfortable… well, one thing led to another. You know how it is…”
Phina’s laugh turned into a chuckle – warm, and fond.
“Should I count you as another rival, Your Highness…? Or are
all
your friendships simply this…
intimate?”
Caeda’s smile grew – and she drew close again, leaning in to press a kiss to Phina’s cheek.
“Only the very closest, my dear,” she said. “Fond as I am of you all, I know that future of yours—with Kris,
and
with Norne—isn’t mine to share in. But until then, and so long as we’re all fortunate enough to together… I hope we can continue to enjoy ourselves. As friends… and perhaps, as a little more.”
Phina, at that, found a quiet, happy sigh – and let her eyes slip closed once more.
“…You know, Your Highness,” she murmured, “I think I’d like that. I think… I’d like that a lot.”