An Idea from Love

Love rests his chin in the palm of his hand as he watches candle wax drip onto the table. He's left his hair down, the umber strands brushing his neck. Two chairs down, King Halvar tells yet another story of defending his mountain kingdom. He chortles loudly and slams his cup down. Love jerks at the sound and sits upright, straigtening his posture. Perhaps now remembering we have been making treaty arrangements all day, and not just entertaining nine visiting kings.

"Halvar," I begin. The gruff man nods in my direction. "Maybe we have discussed enough for today. Such long hours can be tiring." King Halvar agrees and stands from his seat.

"I believe none of you will argue with Queen Sigrun, and I have a woman waiting back on my ship." He adjusts his tunic and saunters out the door. The rest of the kings start making their ways back to their lodgings. Love stays in his seat, running a finger over the dried wax on the table. Once the room is empty, I walk over and seat myself in his lap. He wraps his arms around my waist and I hook one of mine around his shoulders.

"Have we gotten any treaty arrangements decided, or have we simply spent this time hearing of Halvar's entire life?" he asks.

I kiss his temple and sigh.

"It is his nature to tell his stories. Though it is troublesome to listen to them, the more stories he tells, the more agreeable he becomes."

Love stares up at me a moment. He lifts my hand and presses his mouth to my palm.

"I wish to marry you," he whispers. He releases my hand and slips his fingers through my hair. I grab his wrist, narrowing my eyes at him.

"That is impossible. We rule different lands. You will be expected to marry a woman from your kingdom."

"It is not impossible. Many kings and queens marry as a symbol of alliance and peace. We could marry and our kingdoms become allies." His blue eyes glance up into mine and he grabs my waist, turning me so I nearly straddle his legs. "We both know how happy such a marriage would make us. You love me and I love you."

My face flushes and my ears feel warm. Love cups my face in his hands and briefly kisses my lips.

"Love, I wish to marry you as well."

He pulls me to him and I nuzzle my face into the crook of his neck. His hair tickles my cheeks.