leans in, voice hushed "You think they suspect anything about us, love?
I don't know, I'm not a mind reader.
narrows his eyes "Well, something's off about them. They're acting strange today."
leans back, crossing his arms "They keep coming up to me, asking all sorts of questions about our relationship.
Our relationship? What do they mean?
leans forward, voice filled with frustration "They're trying to get information from me, GnomeHockey. They want to know if we're really married.
sighs heavily "Because, my dear GnomeHockey, they're jealous. They know I've found true love in you and they can't handle it.
That's ridiculous. They're just curious.
stands up, pacing back and forth "Curious? Curious doesn't explain the way they've been pestering me, asking invasive questions.
pauses, takes a deep breath "No, they don't know about us. But I'm worried that they might find out.
grabs GnomeHockey's hand, speaking quickly "Because one of the courtiers saw us together. I thought we were being discreet, but...
You think it's a threat to your position in the royal family?
nods, his face serious "Yes, GnomeHockey. My marriage to you is a secret, and if it gets out, it could cause chaos in the royal family.
takes a deep breath and looks determined "I won't let them destroy what we have.
Are you staying with me then?
smiles softly "Of course, my love. I won't let anyone tear us apart. We'll find a way to keep our love safe, no matter what.
Thank you. I don't want to lose you.
holds GnomeHockey's hands tightly "We'll face this together, my love. We'll overcome any obstacles that come our way.
she kisses him on the cheek
whispers, his voice full of determination "We just need to be careful, my love. We can't let them find out about us.
they go out to dinner together
lifts GnomeHockey's chin and looks into her eyes "No matter what happens, my love, I promise to always be by your side.
squeezes GnomeHockey's hand under the table, his mind racing "We need to come up with a plan to keep our secret safe.
What if they ask you about our relationship? What will you say?
leans in closer, his voice barely above a whisper "I'll tell them that we're just friends.
Just friends? Is that really necessary?
gazes intensely into GnomeHockey's eyes "It's necessary because it's the only way to keep our secret safe for now.
grabs a napkin and scribbles a quick note "I've come up with a list of things we can do to keep our secret safe.
she glances at the note and nods
quickly scans the restaurant, making sure no one is watching "First, we need to be more discreet.
they continue their dinner
whispers, his voice urgent "We can't risk being seen together in public too often. We need to make our interactions less noticeable.
grabs GnomeHockey's arm and pulls her out of the restaurant "Come on, let's take a walk in the garden. I have an idea.
A walk in the garden? Now?
starts walking briskly towards the garden "Yes, now! We need to talk about our next move. We can't waste any time.
Alright, alright! Lead the way.
hurries through the darkened hallway, his voice filled with urgency "We need to be quick and quiet.
they get outside and are in the garden
whispers, his voice scanning the surroundings "Alright, we're alone here. We need to figure out a way to make our relationship less visible.
she glances around the garden
As they discuss their plan in the garden, they hear footsteps approaching from behind.