For a long while they simply stayed like that. Without words. Without tension. Just two souls breathing the same air, hearts beating in quiet harmony after surviving the storm.
The kingdom would need them soon. The North would not stay silent. And they knew their peace would be brief.
But in this moment…
There was no threat.
No witch.
No ancient curse.
No political game.
Just River, Heiko, the warmth of water, and the gentle kick of the life they created together.
--
River sighed, her head resting in the crook of his shoulder, feeling his heartbeat beneath her cheek—strong, steady, alive. After everything they had survived, that simple rhythm felt like the most precious gift.
Heiko lowered his head, brushing his lips against her temple with a tenderness that nearly undid her.
“Y
