With reluctant grace he eased back, but kept the intimate connection, choosing to simply hold her. They lay still, breathing together, hearts synchronized.
Her fingers toyed with the edge of the sheet, eyes tracing the morning stripes sliding slowly along the ceiling. "I love waking up like this," she said again, voice quieter, more vulnerable.
"I heard." He pressed a kiss above her eyebrow. "And I filed the request under 'lifelong objectives.'"
Her laugh came softer now, laden with affection. She turned, meeting his gaze fully, letting him see all the devotion, all the playfulness, all the fierce resolve a queen could hold for her chosen troublemaker. "Then add pastry procurement to the objective."
He saluted. "At once, Your Majesty." Yet he didn't shift to leave the bed; instead he repositioned so their foreheads touched, lips brushing in feather-kisses.
