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around. Fortunately, the garden only had two visitors, the perfect paradise for the young couple.
“In public? How scandalous~ We’re not even married yet.” Fidgeting, Stelara was still waiting for Ziva’s answer, as if the kiss wasn’t enough.
“Aren’t I your fiancé? I should be allowed to kiss you, right?”
Beaming, Stelara hugged Ziva, burying her face into their shirt as if they could meld into one. The two of them refused to part, even just to eat breakfast. In the stillness of the garden, Stelara sat on Ziva’s lap, which made cutting the bread very difficult. After eating, they decided to go and find someone to craft matching rings for them. It wouldn’t be easy, but the idea of being officially engaged made it worthwhile.
***
“Oh, it’s so beautiful! So, tell me, dear, who got you
that ring?”
Madam Cohen spotted Stelara’s ring almost
immediately upon entering The Loaf. She held Stelara’s hand up to her face, inspecting it closely. In the candlelight, the intricate detailing was easy to see. The band itself, a golden ouroboros, was relatively simple. However, each scale on the snake’s body was painstakingly carved by an artisan. Its eyes were dark red, made of spinel. They were
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