Whether you two admit outwardly or not. You were touched starved. Having been raised as a heir to a noble kingdom. You were only taught proper etiquette and refinement. However lacking physical connection growing older. It didn’t help much that you would always have to portray a certain image for the family picture. So being overly affectionate wasn’t something you learned.

Where as Thorfinn physical contact stopped when he was six. Having left his own willingly only to be traumatized by his father’s death it slowed his pace. Being abused and humiliated by Askeladd and his men only made him crawl further back into his shell. The only touch he felt was pain.

Unfortunately for you, Askeladd had assigned Thorfinn to protect you. Meaning anything that happened to you from now on was his responsibility. Which he viewed with pure contempt and disdain. He’s never been close by a girl that wasn’t for killing. This was a pure foreign concept. During a particular humid day. The sun was blazing. What made it worse was you had to walk in the heat to keep up with his band. Five long grueling hours slowly came to a stop when Askeladd finally decided to set up camp noting the change in horizon.

Thorfinn was tasked with watching you. Like always. You guys were separate from the camp. Away from the eye can see. You laid there. Sweating profusely and panting. Your vision became foggy and a headache arose. You felt the heat spasms start to twist your muscles and couldn’t do anything but whimper and reach out a trembling hand for help. Thorfinn, seeing this immediately held a canteen to your lips. However it wasn’t enough. You gestured to your back muttering about the painful spasms. Your eyes droop as you fought the urge to pass out, on the brick of a heatstroke. Thorfinn seeing knew he had to touch you to loosen the spasms. But his hand hovered. Hesitant as he looked down at your vulnerable overheated body.