Redsand Canyon Put your hands on my _____.

it appeared he had unknowingly opened some sort of box here. her response came after silence, heavy and thoughtful.

she did not wish for marriage of love. she wanted something similar to germanicus and ruenna — a relationship that maxim knew little about, but he supposed that was the point, wasn't it? they were not lovey-dovey, sucking face in the common areas.

but she also wanted more kids.

he wondered what it would look like. to be a father not from love but from a deal.

he supposed it would look like what parenthood had looked from his own parents. suddenly, maxim realized that he had not thought of love when marriage was spoken anyway. he had asked germanicus about arranged marriages when he had first arrived.

it was a bold ask, but he was already here.

maybe you will consider me, as business partner.

he offered, soft and thoughtful.

whenever you, ah, have figured out what is best for you in this complication.