For Leon, that made their closeness easier rather than harder. He no longer had to guess whether pulling away would hurt her or whether accepting a hug would be mistaken for permission to go further. They could be honest and still remain close.
Seraphine reached across the table and held out her little finger with a completely serious expression.
Leon stared at it. "You command an army."
"And?"
"You're asking for a little-finger promise."
"It makes the agreement official."
He considered pointing out that contracts, witnesses, and military oaths existed. Then he saw the expectation in her eyes and hooked his finger around hers.
"There. Official. Happy now?"
"Very." Her smile was so open that Leon could not regret indulging her.
Seraphine moved their joined fingers once, sealing the promise with unnecessary ceremony. "A commander's oath cannot be taken lightly."
"That was a little-finger promise, not a military oath."
"It can be both. I am the commander."
