THE BOND (3)

"I..." she started, but the words faltered on her tongue. What could she say? She was sure she was not ready to make a choice so permanent, so binding, with someone she had only begun to understand.

Perhaps seeing her hesitation, King Varziel reached up, cupped her cheek with surprising tenderness, grounding her once more, "You do not have to decide right now. I would never force it upon you. I never even planned on telling you of the implications of our bond existing until you were truly ready."

His words caused her to laugh, "I guess that I am super obstinate about things, aren't I?" She leaned into his touch, subconsciously seeking more from him. "You make it sound like I mean everything to you." Her voice was steady, hiding the stormy emotions brewing steadily in her chest.

"Who knows, perhaps I am a demon fooled by love."

"It may be lust." Arella shot out.