Chapter 45: I'll Wear His Crown

His eyes were wild when I brought my head back from his neck, both of us still kneeling. He made no sudden movements, but I saw something primal in him.

“I love you,” he rumbled. This wasn’t as sweet as a statement as it was before, but a statement of passion. It still made me feel deeply appreciated.

“Just for making you feel good?” I whispered.

He shook his head in slow deliberate motions.

I sank, leaning back on my forearms - making myself a clear and open invitation.

He removed his crown and held it out toward me, nodding for me to let him place it on my head. He could have placed it on the grass as he had in the past, but this change seemed purposeful.

I angled my head to accept it, figuring this would be the crown we shared until we made it to the Crimson Kingdom.

It felt heavy. Not uncomfortable, but certainly noticeable.

He lowered himself over me, gaze never breaking from mine. I lay back and he leaned one arm beside my head. It felt like the calm before the storm.