[Lavinia's Pov—Dawnspire Wing—Continuation]
His hands were warm and firm on my waist, steadying me as if I were something fragile, something breakable. I was still perched on his lap, my skirts pooling around us, and yet, I couldn't breathe. His thumbs brushed over my cheeks, rough calluses grazing my skin like a secret only he was allowed to touch.
His lips hovered—so close I could feel the ghost of his breath on mine. My heart was pounding wildly, and I knew he could feel it too, the erratic beat echoing in the air between us.
There was something in his eyes—something dangerous and tender all at once: hesitation, fear, longing, love, and that quiet possessiveness that always unsettled me. It was too much and yet, not enough.
And for once, I didn't care. I didn't want to think. I didn't want to be a princess, daughter, or heir. I just wanted this moment. Him.
