"You look lovely like this," Ralph said, casting an appreciative eye over her. Before she could blush and splutter, he added impishly. "Especially without the ink mark on your face."
Soleia groaned. "I'm sorry I fell asleep and left you hanging last night. That was most uncharitable of me."
Rafael shrugged as he escorted her to the dining hall. "That's not the first time a woman has fallen asleep before me and left me waiting. I'm used to it."
Soleia coughed. Somehow Ralph's tone seemed to imply something less innocent than what actually happened!
They arrived at the dining hall. Thankfully, her father was absent. Instead, her two sisters were present, along with their husbands and her nephew. Their lively chatter fell silent when Soleia entered the room with Ralph in tow.
Bellaflor stood up and waved her over to make introductions.
