The next morning, Xandar wore a grey shirt and black coat. At breakfast, he beamed at his subjects when he saw that Lucianne’s head remained up when the rest of them were bowing. After greeting the attendees, he made his way to her and kissed her on her forehead as he said, “Thank you, for not bowing.”

“It felt very awkward.” She complained, despite her blushing cheeks.

He chuckled, “You’ll get used to it.” He took in her stunning figure hugged by a dark purple ruffled top and black skirt before he said, “You look beautiful.”

She smirked, “You look great too, Xandar. Are you going to say that every...