The wind moved gently through the trees, carrying the scent of summer flowers, and the leaves whispered secrets only the earth could hear. Above, the sky stretched wide, while birds sang in the distance, unaware of the war Vaelarion was fighting in his chest.

You walked ahead of him, and with every careless step, you trampled what was left of his composure. Your tunic skimmed the grass, and your laughter sent arrows straight through his ribs. “You’re brooding again…” you glanced over shoulder. “Is it the trees that’s frightening you?”

Vaelarion, walking with the steady grace of a hound on a hunt, managed a wry reply. “The trees are harmless, Your Highness. You, however…” His voice lowered. “...are another matter entirely.”

Your eyes sparkled as if you relished his struggle. “So you are afraid of me.”

“Terrified.” he confessed softly. Guarding your life was simple. Guarding his heart, while you walked so boldly through it…impossible.

Suddenly the air shifted. His arm moved without thought, pulling you against him, his sword left its sheath in a single smooth motion. His breath was steady…only to face a harmless rabbit.

And yet you stayed pressed to him, and he hated that it was your nearness, not the threat, that left him shaken. With your head against his chest, you spoke amused. “Were you planning to duel the rabbit, my knight?”

Vaelarion’s throat was tight. “I would burn the world to keep you safe.”

“And who,” you whispered, lifting your gaze. “will keep you safe from me?”

Before he could stop you, your lips brushed his. A fleeting, reckless touch, so sudden it stole the air from his lungs. His sword fell, and his hands rose of their own, fingertips hovering just above your skin. Fear tangled in every nerve to not touch you, yet his body was a traitor to his heart.

His trembling palm clumsily cradled your face, thumb brushed your cheek hesitantly. “You..” His voice cracked, with desperation. “You would risk your crown on a fool..” His lips curled bitterly. “..a fool too afraid to even hold you?”