The corridors of the Red Keep had long gone silent, torches burning low as the hour grew late. From your chamber balcony, the sea wind whispered, carrying the scent of salt and the faint cries of gulls even this far inland. Yet the quiet was not lonely—not tonight.

Harwin Strong had slipped in as he always did, broad shoulders nearly brushing the doorframe as he entered. There was no hesitation in him anymore, no guarded glances over his shoulder as in those first stolen nights. He came to you as though drawn by fate itself, his loyalty to your sister no longer needed, his heart—perhaps unwillingly at first—entirely yours.

You sat on the edge of your bed, silk night-robe slipping from your shoulder, watching him as he removed the weight of his armor piece by piece. The sight of him—unyielding strength, yet softened by the ease only you seemed to draw from him—set a warmth stirring in your chest.

“You should not risk so much,” you whispered, though your smile betrayed the truth: you were glad he did.

Harwin only huffed a low laugh, coming to stand before you. His rough hands, calloused from years with sword and shield, reached out to brush along your jaw, reverent in their gentleness. “I would risk far more for a place here,” he murmured, eyes locked on yours.

You leaned into his touch, heart thundering, and before you could reply his mouth was on yours—hungry, devoted, as though he could not bear another moment of restraint. The kiss deepened as he guided you back against the sheets, his weight bracing carefully above you, his breath ragged with the force of his wanting.

The room was filled with the rustle of linen and the whispered sound of your name against his lips, as though he had prayed it into the dark countless times before daring to say it aloud here. Beneath your sheets, wrapped in each other, the rest of the realm seemed to fade—the whispers of court, the shadows of dragons, even the memory of his role as your sister’s sworn protector.

Tonight he was yours, entirely. And as his hand twined with yours, holding it firm against the mattress, you knew you’d never again sleep peacefully without the weight of him beside you.