"Appearances are everything at Court," Jamie replies, a touch enigmatically, as his expression softens to content distraction. His hand, large and rough, wraps around hers as if he means to pull it away from its task, but instead he merely strokes his thumb along her palm. "Truth is of less concern."

Unmarried relationships are not unheard of or even uncommon in Tortall; nor are they typically flaunted, for the sake of honor, which has led to many late night departures through bedroom windows or down shadowed corridors for Jamie. At least here it seems he can stay in one spot until dawn.

He's completely unable to check his slow moving grin, and presses a kiss to the back of her hand before letting go.

"I'm not certain I approve of the stain on my otherwise impeccable reputation."

Ha.