Redsand Canyon seems a pity not to take a chance

Instead of moving away to depart, Ruenna's new husband stepped toward her. He reached out with a soft touch, and Ruenna turned in to him. However, before she could press her own muzzle to his in response, he pulled his touch away. 

"I am glad you are here, Ruenna," he imparted, speaking her name for the first time without the addition of formal titles. It was meant as a gesture of intimacy, which Ruenna desired from him much more than the formal displays of respect upon which he insisted. 

He cleared his throat conclusively, as if the action could expel any and all suggestion of nonsense. The traces of a shy smile betrayed this effort however, and Ruenna found herself mirroring the expression. She would wear it until he disappeared from his bedchamber. Their bedchamber now, Ruenna reminded herself. How quickly circumstances changed.