don't turn away now

He breathed in her scent, and it was a sweet, wonderful thing. For so long he had denied himself this feeling. Denied others the chance to get this close. He craved this. He needed it like his life needed a heartbeat and air to breathe. "I don't want to leave you," She would say. He closed his eyes as the words washed over him. He didn't want her to go. Despite his saying he wouldn't stop her, he didn't want her to go anymore. "My vision would not mean much without someone by my side to share it with," He admitted. He didn't want to go it alone anymore. He didn't want to be the old king that died alone. Didn't want to leave this world without giving himself to someone and receiving the same in turn. Yes, he had loved Winter and she had loved him, but she was gone from this world. At least...in physical form. She was still here in spirit. He could feel her. He heard her. And she encouraged him to let love in once again.

He chuckled quietly at her joke, looking at her with a spark of humor for a moment. "I would not hesitate to rescue you as many times as you need, nor would I hesitate to give my life for you." His tone had grown serious towards the end, letting her know that he meant it. When she went onto speak again, he would press his head against hers once more. "Then don't go. I do not want to keep you from doing what you want, but if it's me you want...I will not deny you that." Pulling back slightly to look at her, he added "Stay with me. I want you by my side now and forever. I wish to share my life with you. I love you, Heloise."

His heart threatened to burst through his chest and stain the snow red with his own blood. He meant it when he said it, and not just on a whim. He loved her, deeply and truly, and wanted her in his life age and titles be damned.

"Acere"||Winter