[Dawnspire Wing—Private Garden—Later that Morning—Lavinia's POV]
I leaned back, smirking as Sera clutched the tray like a shield, cheeks still burning. "Lesson one," I announced, tapping my finger against the table with all the gravitas of a seasoned professor, "is about posture. You must appear confident, graceful, yet utterly irresistible. Understand?"
Sera nodded vigorously, although her hands were shaking ever so slightly. "Yes, Your Highness! I—uh—I think I can manage."
I raised an eyebrow. "Think? No, Sera. You will manage. A kiss is an art form. Precision, timing, subtlety… and the absolute ability to read your partner's reactions."
She swallowed hard. "Reactions…?"
"Yes." I leaned closer, letting my grin stretch dangerously. "For example, if he—" I paused dramatically, glancing toward the palace wings as if Osric himself might hear me—"if he stares at you like he's trying to solve a riddle, you freeze. If he leans closer… you respond. Always three steps ahead. Always."
