There is very little Benedict wants more than to step back in close to her, to press her into the wall once more, to slide his hands back onto her body and to press his lips to hers. But, if there is one thing Benedict is adept at doing, it is denying himself the thing that he wants more than anything, and so despite her protestations, he doesn't sidle back into her personal space and kiss her again.

Instead, he lifts a hand to rake his hair back away from his face, willing the blood to settle in his veins.

"You will be missed, Ninon," he replies evenly, licking his lips and looking away.

No one will notice nor care that he is missing, but the sister of the Spirearch, his de facto heir unless a child is produced, will surely be looked for the moment her absence is noticed and commented upon.