[ This discussion might be moot given that she has all of a handful of days to throw any such word around. But still... it feels nice to discuss little things as if that's not the case. ] A shame about consort, I like that one. [ She's teasing, clearly. Queens and consorts go together is all. ]

I do tend to use partner for even casual situations, just habit really. [ And so she doesn't call them hookups or something equally disrespectful, by and large these are people she cares for greatly. A whole slew of them. ]

[ Her smile softens when he kisses her hand. ] We can try some of them out. You're right, the sentiment is what matters.

I'm glad this could happen... before... [ well. The elephant in the room. ]