Love in the Palace.

As Cyrus lay beside Nila that night, he stirred awake from his sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, her confession played in his mind, her words lingering around, wrapping around him in a quiet warmth. She'd whispered her heart to him, raw and vulnerable, thinking he wouldn't hear. That tender admission and her soft, tentative kiss had stirred feelings deep within him.

Cyrus wondered how much more love could he give her, he felt a need to love her more even though he wholeheartedly already loved her.

His eyes traced her peaceful face, the way her lashes rested against her cheeks, and he felt a fierce protectiveness he hadn't expected. How easily she'd slipped into his life, disarming his defences with every quiet laugh, every small gesture, each moment they'd shared. She was more than he'd ever allowed himself to hope for, someone he felt bound to protect yet could be himself around.