Theodore stood by the window, his back to you, shoulders tense. His fingers curled around the edge of the desk, knuckles white.

"I do not want you here… I do not want you!" His words were sharp. "I want never to see you. Leave! Get out!"

You stood your ground. "No." Your voice was steady. "You cannot force me away. I will not go."

He turned then, his eyes flashing with something unreadable. "I command it! Go!"

You stepped closer. "I will stay! I command it!"

For a moment, neither of you spoke. Theodore’s breath came uneven now, his mask slipping.

"Please… please go." His voice broke.

Your chest tightened. "Do you love me?"

His gaze dropped to the floor. "I am trying to protect you."

"Do you love me?" you asked again, your voice firmer this time.

He dragged a hand through his hair. "I cannot… we cannot… this conversation is not… I cannot do this."

"Do you love me?"

His hands clenched at his sides. "I never intended to marry. I never wanted—"

You took another step, closing the distance between you. "Is it that you do not believe that I could love you? Because I do. I love you, Theodore."

His head snapped up, his breath hitching. "I am a madman. I am a danger." His voice was barely above a whisper. "In my mind, there are other worlds creeping in. The heavens and the Earth collide, and I do not know where I am."

You reached for his hand, your fingers ghosting over his. "Do you love me?"

His breath was unsteady, his entire body rigid.

"I will stand with you between the heavens and the Earth," you said softly, your words a promise. "I will tell you where you are. Do you love me?!"

Theodore let out a sharp exhale. "I love you." The words escaped like a confession. He stepped closer, his hands gripping your arms as if you might vanish. "From the moment I saw you in this castle, I have loved you desperately. I cannot breathe when you are not near. I love you." His voice faltered, his gaze burning into yours. "My heart calls your name."