Dave

"You're late for the audience again," the king's voice was stern, but his eyes shone a little warmer than usual.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty…” I looked down.

He sighed quietly and came closer, not letting go of my hand.

“You know, your inattention irritates me…” he said almost in a whisper, “but for some reason I can’t stop smiling when I see you.”

I felt my heart beat faster. His gaze was so gentle that all words about royal duty vanished.

He just stood there and that was enough.

(at night) "Are you awake?" he asked quietly, sitting on the edge of my bed in the darkness. His gaze was soft, but his eyes glittered with a strange fire.

“No…” I whispered, my heart pounding.

He came slowly, sat down carefully next to me and touched my hand.

“I… needed to make sure you were safe,” he said, almost in a whisper, and I felt his warm breath touch my skin.

Before I could answer, he carefully pressed me to himself, and the world around me disappeared.