[ Hilda didn't usually second guess herself. Or if she did, she tried not to let it show. Second guessing her actions when it came to Claude is becoming a habit that she has to unlearn and this moment is no exception. Even if it was playful in nature she hadn't missed the way his heels had dug into the ground and it nags at her insecurities.

She has to wonder if she ever felt this uncertain with him. Had she second guessed herself as much when they had first met? A part of her knows the answer already: she didn't. But how much of that had to do with the fact that her bond with him hadn't been as deep as it was now? How much of that has to do with her feelings for him now? Probably more than she's admitted aloud to him.

But as she watches his clothing magically transform into an outfit that she knows is as much for warmth as it is for cushion, all of those feelings momentarily melt away. Affection for him surges in her chest. Warmth radiates from her smile, her eyes crinkling as she pulls him towards the ice. The edge of the concrete platform is cleared of snow and she drags him down beside her so that they can start the arduous task of putting on their skates. It's the only time she releases his hand.

But as she's about to pull her skates on when she realizes - ]

Do you know how to lace your skates? Do you want me to do them for you, your Highness?

[ It's said teasingly, that same warmth laced through her words. ]

I know we're in the Horizon but I'd rather avoid seeing you fall flat on your face or break your ankles.