The original Lyanna had only ever known his stern, severe expressions, his cold disapproving glances, and his rigid authority.
Seeing him completely let his guard down and laugh with such genuine, unbridled amusement was an entirely foreign experience.
Still, she didn't appreciate being the target of his jokes. "What exactly is so funny to you?" she demanded, crossing her arms over her chest and scowling up at him.
Cedric noticed the sharp edge of annoyance returning to her voice and realized he had pushed her far enough for one night.
He gradually let his laughter taper off, wiping the remaining traces of amusement from his face as his expression turned serious, grounding the atmosphere in the room.
"You don't have to worry that I will force myself on you," he said, his voice deep, steady, and filled with a rare gentleness.
