Resisting the Urge

Suddenly Henry didn't trust himself with the princess's face so close to his. While he might not be the most confident man in the presence of a woman, he was still a man.

A man who had been dying to know what it was like to kiss her since he dreamt of her nearly every night.

He pulled away and gave a timid smile.

"There isn't much for us to do here," he said. "I can take you somewhere with a beautiful view. I'll keep you as warm as I possibly can."

Princess Marie watched himself hold back. He held an intense expression when she was close to him and he forced himself away.

If she was less of a lady, she would have pushed him further.

Henry stood up and put on his quilted coat, doing up the leather straps and making sure they were snug so the cold air wouldn't get inside. He redid his belt so that his sword was outside and easily accessible.