The training field was unusually quiet that morning. No sparring rings of flame, no crashing torrents of water, no clashing Haki flares. Riser stretched lazily and walked up to where Sona was reviewing her notes, a rare calmness in her posture.
"Today…" he began, smirking, "…is a day off."
Sona blinked, surprised. "A day off? You, of all people, telling me not to train?"
"You've pushed yourself harder than anyone I've seen. Even warriors need time to breathe. And today…" he leaned closer, lowering his voice with a dramatic pause, "…I'll do whatever you want, Sona. No complaints. Surprise me."
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, though the faintest blush colored her cheeks. "Whatever I want?"
"Yes." He grinned wide. "So what'll it be? A romantic stroll? More strategy meetings? A full day of being spoiled by me?"
Sona adjusted her glasses, hiding her smile. "Then… accompany me to the library."
Riser blinked, then laughed. "Out of all possibilities, that is your choice? Truly, Sona Sitri is one of a kind."
"You said no complaints," she countered primly, though her lips curved just slightly.
"Fine, fine. Lead the way, my Water Sovereign."
They spent the morning tucked between shelves of ancient tomes. Sona was at ease, explaining her ideas for the future school system, her hands moving elegantly as she sketched diagrams. Riser, though less interested in the books, watched her with a smirk that never faded.
At one point, when she leaned across him to grab a volume, he whispered, "Careful, Sona. If you keep hovering so close, I might forget we're supposed to be studying."
Her hand froze mid-reach, face flushing crimson. "…Y-You're impossible."
"And yet you keep me around," he teased, gently plucking the book she wanted and setting it in her hands.
By afternoon, she surprised him again. Instead of returning to study, Sona suggested something simpler: walking through Sitri territory gardens. The peaceful setting of flowing fountains and lotus ponds matched her perfectly.
"Didn't expect you to choose this," Riser admitted. "I thought you'd drag me through three more libraries."
"I wanted something… quieter," she said, her voice softer, more honest.
Riser chuckled, leaning in to whisper in her ear. "Careful, Sona. If you keep showing me this side of you, I'll fall even harder."
Her steps faltered, and she turned her face away. "…You say such things too easily."
"Not easily," he corrected, gaze intent. "Only to you."
Evening found them sitting side by side near the water, the orange glow of sunset dancing across the waves. For once, neither spoke of training, politics, or duty. Just quiet moments.
Until Riser broke it with a sly grin. "So… was your 'perfect day' just books and gardens?"
Sona gave him a sharp look. "You said no complaints."
"I'm not complaining." He leaned close, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. "Just waiting to see if the great Sona Sitri will surprise me again before the day ends."
Her heart pounded, but instead of pulling back, she let her hand rest against his. "…Maybe next time."
Riser laughed warmly, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Then I'll look forward to it, my lady."