[ He smiles widely for her, reaching for her hands once more so he can take them in his and give them a squeeze. ]

Oh, Alkaid, if no longer keeping the news to ourselves makes you happy, then I would open myself to all manner of gossip, even scandal. That is all I could ever want: to please you and give you all the happiness that I can manage.

[ And then, giving no mind to those who are still lingering and who may be watching, he wraps one arm around her and draws her gently into a fond embrace. He lowers his voice then so that only she may hear: ]

I have missed you very much, Lantaa.