[Unedited! Don't Buy!]
"I hope you know," I said softly, "I'd do the same for you."
His gaze met mine, steady and bright.
"I do know," he said. "That's the scariest part. I've spent so long being alone, I forgot how terrifying it is to be seen."
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
"But with you," he continued, "I want to be seen. I want people to know."
"Even if they don't approve?"
"Especially then."
A silence fell, but it was a good one—heavy with truth, with new beginnings.
"I'm going to have to return to the capital soon," he said. "There will be more meetings. More people asking questions."
"I'll come with you."
"You don't have to."
"I want to," I said. "If I'm staying… I want to stay for everything. Not just the safe parts."
He leaned forward, his hand finding mine once again.
"Then we'll go together," he said.
