Naerin looked utterly gobsmacked, the expression sitting oddly on his handsome face. This was not a man used to being surprised. But he took the box with a nod and a lightening of his usual angry expression. “I- I thank you, the gift is kind.” Before Siana could say another word, Naerin was out the door and Gladys was having a laughing fit in her chair.

Siana gave Gladys a questioning look, but it took the woman a minute to gather herself enough that she could form words. ...