36: Him or me (2)

~Laith~

Ywain slithered his cold fingers around my neck and gripped it hard. Prince Zephirin panicked. 

"Make a choice, him or me. You can't have both, " Ywain gave Zephirin an ultimatum.

Zephirin intertwined his fingers with mine. "You, it's always going to be you, " he declared sincerely.

I was stunned. He picked me. He gave his answer so quickly, that it was clear he didn't give it much thought. Ywain didn't offer him options, I am his priority. I melted under his touch. 

Ywain unhanded me in shock. Zephirin pulled me in his arms. Holding me gently scared I might break if he applied pressure in his touch. His eyes stared into my soul, causing my heartbeat to soften. 

The fear I felt when Ywain threatened me faded away. The feeling was replaced with security. I trusted Zephirin to keep me safe.