Nathaniel smiles into the kiss, his heart melting at the picture Anders paints. But there's more.

"There's more," he adds softly. "I... This is a traditional engagement gift. To every bride who became Arlessa for the last six generations."

He holds his breath and watches Anders' face. He knows, believes he knows what Anders will think of it. But it's that moment of frozen uncertainty between the words being spoken and the answer being given, and for that wild, freefalling bit of time, anything can happen.