The carriage ride back to the castle was filled with the soft hum of wheels against the road and the faint chirping of crickets outside.
Leora leaned back in her seat, stretching like a cat. Her crimson hair, illuminated by the dim lantern light, shimmered like fire, and her ever-present smirk told me trouble was brewing in her mind.
"I have to say," she began, breaking the silence, "marriage is a curious thing."
I blinked, turning to her. "Curious? You've been married for over a century. Surely you've figured it out by now."
Leora laughed, a low, melodic sound that always made you wonder if she was mocking you or genuinely amused.
"Oh, I've figured some things out. Like the fact that Zephara's greatest skill is simultaneously infuriating and enchanting me in the same breath."
I grinned. "That sounds about right."
