Mercedes and Sergei: Time together

[Sergei Romanov]

I bit back a quip about ironness that would have just raised her back, instead grinning while responding to her. "Of course we are. Toughest in the world, don't you know?"

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"I never thought I'd fall in love with someone so ferocious," I said with a giggle. Stretching up, I kissed him softly. "But I'm glad that I did," I whispered against his lips. "I should be able to convince my father to let me travel even further away from home if you want to go this summer. After all, I'll have you to protect me." And, Mother be generous, a good report from my family in Kusheth. I knew how much weight my grandmother's opinion had with my mother. And my mother was very good at persuading my father about matters of the heart.

[Sergei Romanov]

I raised my brows slightly. "Truly? Your family wouldn't have a problem with me taking you away to Ruskovia?"

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"Well, not exactly," I said, shifting back to rest my head against his shoulder. "But my grandmother is sure to write to my mother and sing your praises. And my mother has already heard about you from me. Papa doesn't always listen to me, but he always listens to Mama. She can be very persuasive." I smiled a little, worried that he would worry. I was fairly certain that I could bring my father around if he objected, but it shouldn't be Sergei's concern.