Can't Afford To Wait

Oriana was taken aback by what Arlan said all of a sudden. Her heart? Baffled she looked into his eyes, his hold around her keeping her steady, his eyes still gazing into hers. 

"H-How does one give their heart?" she stammered, her voice barely audible.

"You know how," he repeated softly, his tone gentle yet insistent.

Her brows furrowed in confusion, and then her expression shifted, a hint of discomfort creeping in. "My heart..." she began, her voice trailing off.

"Hmm?" Arlan prompted, noticing the change in her demeanor.

"It... hurts..." she admitted, her voice tinged with pain.

Arlan's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by concern. "Hurts?"

Weakly nodding, Oriana felt her strength waning, but Arlan supported her, lifting her gently into his arms. "Hold on, alright?" he reassured her as he carried her to their chamber.