He Sleeps, She Thinks

Damián slept like a man who had never known peace.

His arm was heavy across her waist. His breath slow, steady against the curve of her neck. The hand that had once bruised a rebel's pride now rested gently against the hollow of her stomach.

Serena lay perfectly still.

Eyes open.

Breathing quietly.

And thinking.

She had memorized the shape of his body in the dark.The sound of his voice when it broke on her name.The way his lips softened only when he kissed her shoulder, like he was afraid of waking whatever spell they were under.

But no spell lasted forever.

And even in the warmth of his arms, cold truth crept in.

The kingdom would never forgive this.

Not him, for choosing her.

Not her, for surviving him.

She shifted slightly, turning to face him.

His lashes were thick against his cheek. His jaw tight, even in sleep.

He never relaxed completely.

Even in dreams, he wore his crown beneath the skin.

She reached up and brushed her fingers over the collar still fastened around her throat.

It wasn't uncomfortable anymore.

It felt like a reminder.

That she had chosen this.

Chosen him.

And she would keep choosing him until the world tore her away.

A soft knock came at the door.

She slipped from bed without waking him, pulling his shirt from the floor and wrapping it around her bare skin.

When she opened the door, Elara stood there.

Messy braid. Bare feet. Worry in her eyes.

"I didn't mean to interrupt," she said gently.

Serena stepped aside, letting her in.

"You did," she replied, "but I'm glad you did."

Elara sat on the edge of the bed, tugging a knit blanket over her lap like a nervous child.

"There are rumors," she said. "About the council. About succession. About… you."

Serena's breath caught.

Elara looked up at her with soft, innocent certainty.

"If they try to use you against him… what will you do?"

Serena's voice was calm.

"I won't be used."

"But if they force him to choose—"

"I'll make the choice for him."

Elara's eyes welled with tears. "You'd leave him?"

Serena looked at Damián, still sleeping.

Still peaceful.

Still hers.

And for the first time, her heart didn't ache from fear.

It ached from love.

"No," she said softly. "But I'd burn every throne in this kingdom before I let them take him from me."

Elara nodded slowly.

Then reached out and gently took Serena's hand.

"You won't have to burn them alone."

Outside the window, the moon sank lower behind the hills.

The kingdom still slept.

Unaware that its most dangerous secret wasn't a war brewing in the shadows.

It was a woman in love.

And a prince who would kill to keep her.