"Longer than a few days," Percival admitted, taking a breath and allowing himself a few quiet seconds to enjoy being touched and fussed over by someone who knew him, who cared for him, who he couldn't truly hide from no matter how he might try. How vividly he could imagine laying his hand over hers and turning his head to press a kiss to the inside of her wrist. He merely squeezed her shoulders lightly, dropped his hands down to cup her elbows and give them a little more space.

"I'm sorry, I should have checked the temple. I gave up on seeing any of you there, after a while."