"Although the library should be targeted towards young children, it would be ideal for it to be a public space to exchange knowledge for all ages." I thought out loud.

Ash nodded as he jotted down notes to present to the master builder. Once we give him a general idea of the needs, he can come up with a preliminary plan, which we can then amend to our needs.

"I agree. Now that I think of it, grammar lessons at higher levels are usually from private sources and I doubt that the majority can afford them. No wonder the herald uses such simple language in the publications."

"This is very true. Neighboring kingdoms may envy our guilds and adept traineeships for the tradesmen, but the truth is we lack a strong foundation in formal education. I can't help but wonder if this was done on purpose."

He looked up at me from across his mahogany desk, "On purpose?"

I sat up from my sprawled position on the chaise in his study. Finally, I learned to address the room for what it really had become.

"It's much easier to take advantage of the uneducated lower classes than if they were well-versed in basic human rights and laws. Knowledge is power and, unfortunately, power is something that has become monopolized in our kingdom."

He paused for a moment, in thought.

"How do you figure these things out so easily?" He murmured, taking note of my words.

I giggled, "How do you not?"

"The walls of this castle are blinding."

I nodded, "That's a fair excuse. I did grow up closer to... civilization."

He cocked an eyebrow, "Am I not civilized enough for you, darling?"

I shrugged, "Not enough when it matters and a little too civil at times when it doesn't."

"And what times might those be?"

"Maybe that one time, you know, perhaps recently."

He rose from his desk and slowly started approaching me.

"Oh really?" His voice grew huskier with each step, "I thought it was only appropriate to be civil that time. After all, it was the first."

He unbuttoned his collar, which automatically made my cheeks flush. I almost regretted provoking him after I saw the look of desire in his deep blue eyes.

Almost.

After all, it was quite enjoyable.

I cleared my throat, "I think you're mistaken... Your grandmother has come by more than once before."

He stopped in his tracks.

"My grandmother?!" He asked, his tone incredulous.

I looked up at him through my lashes, "Well, what were you thinking of?"

He shook his head out of frustration and retreated to his desk, "Never mind."

I silently laughed to myself while turned away so he wouldn't notice. I lived to tease him these days. He owes me from childhood. I could hear the friction of his quill against the paper as he angrily scribbled away.

"How many kids should we have, Ev?" He asked out of the blue.

I turned back to look at him again. He was looking up from his paperwork, completely serious.

"I didn't pen you as the type to like children." I answered, thinking back to how awkward he was with Fleur.

He smiled, "I might not be too good with them yet, but I still adore the idea of having kids."

I couldn't help but smile too, "Well, how many do you want?"

He frowned, "I don't think it's very appropriate of me to answer that question. It's not as if I will be the one bearing the burden for nine months before entering painful labor for hours to produce that child. It all comes down to your comfort."

I scanned his face with wide eyes, astonished by his consideration. I could almost feel tears prick at alcoves of my eyes, but I blinked rapidly enough to push them back.

"I-I think all that work will seem miniscule in comparison to the gift we'll receive at the end. It will be more than worth it. Ideally, we would have two children... and then perhaps go from there?"

His eyes lit up with excitement, "A girl and a boy, one of each!"

I laughed, "Wouldn't that be lovely?"

"Especially if they had your eyes."

"But mine are plain brown."

He almost looked offended at my comment, "Brown, yes, but anything but plain. You don't understand the depths of pure warmth that they hold. And how can you? It's not like you have the privilege of seeing them yourself."

"Oh please, you're making me blush." I stuttered before turning away again and cradling my cheeks.

Soon, he was at my side, placing his hands over mine, "But why? I only spoke the truth."

I leaned in and kissed him.

"I change my mind, not two, but let's have as many children as we can." I said, hovering over his lips.

"Wha—"

I cut him off with another kiss before he could finish his sentence, this one much deeper. He let out a low moan when I tugged at his buttons.

"I think you forgot where we are." He muttered, breathless.

"No." I said, reaching back for him.

"If I remember correctly, you exact words were 'not here' the last time I made such a move." He teased with a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

I groaned, falling back into my seat with my arms crossed, "Oh, forget it."

He laughed, "Unfortunately, I have too good of a memory. Why don't we relocate?"

"You've already ruined the mood Ash!" I chastised, "Just go and finish writing up your plans."

"But Ev!" He whined.

I turned away and kicked my feet up, pretending to take a nap. He sighed before rising and returning to his work. I couldn't help but smile at what had just happened, although things didn't go my way. I meant to show him that two could play that little game of his, and so far, I've been doing a good job.