45. Stopping for the Night

XENDAYA.

His lips touch my forehead, and despite every resolution I have made, my entire body reacts to his intimate gesture.

My heart’s pounding and my breath hitches as I find myself melting into his hold.

There’s a deep sincerity in his voice that gives me a glimpse of the man who told me his story in those caverns. The man who I wanted to try my best for… The King I wanted to stand beside for his people…

My eyes flutter shut as I listen to the rhythm of his heartbeat.

He cares for his people. It’s the one thing I get from his sincerity.

I may not be a priority for him and perhaps I am a mate he does not want, but his people are important to him and that is enough for me. We might just have something in common.

He slowly moves back and lets go of me and I realise I was completely leaning on him, feeling the exhaustion as I’m back on my own two feet hit harder.

I look into his eyes, his intense gaze burning into me, and I remember how angry he was earlier before he promised t