Something unexpected happened when he put his arms around her. For the first time in months, Aleksandra felt comfort and relief. Storka had tried to help her navigate what came after all the violence and loss, but it had not helped. Not half as much as this moment did. Aleksandra relaxed back against him and closed her eyes, letting herself feel the warm of this body. After a few minutes passed, she turned and lifted her gaze to his, again their lack of control echoed between them.<br/><br/>"This isn't what she wants. She wanted your father's help...or maybe your help, but she has suitors in mind." It felt like he needed to know that. Whatever they were about to do, it would be an act of rebellion against the prescribed fate Storka seemed to have for them both. Aleksandra wanted to believe the woman meant well, but she could tell something had happened the night Maleki came to rescue her, that the old lady had disturbed something in him he had tried to bury. The part about the suitors was the truth, Storka had droned on about two in particular, a king to the west and a prince in the southern isles. Both had strong armies, but it was a fate she had never resigned herself to.  The moment she traded herself, her body, her freedom for armies...It felt like that was the moment that she gave up on everything her father had taught her. That would be the moment that Lord Sebastian LeVane truly one, because she would have to lessen herself to regain what he took from her.<br/><br/>"Maybe the only way out...is through. Together."<br/><br/>At that moment she wanted nothing more than to forget all of it. To forget the war and all that was required of her to win it. Her hands found his, and she brought his fingers to latches at the front of her bodice, leaving them there for him to explore, as she against pressed up on the tips of her toes and pressed her lips to his. Her clothing was not as layered as it could have been, just a bodice, dress and underclothes.  The kiss was passionate and needy, easily communicating the urgency she felt in that moment. Aleksandra had been impressed by his skills as a fighter, but also by his humility.  Other fallen lords would have clung to any bits of power they could find or they would have become gangsters or crime lords.  He had accepted his lot and tried to live honestly until she had come back into his life.<br/><br/>She pulled back, sucking in a breath. "You can hate me again tomorrow, if that's what you need."