[ it's a reassurance he didn't know he needed to hear but is glad to have. her uncanny ability to manage to say the right things when they're most necessary is just another reason to admire her and a trait certainly befitting of a queen. his eyes flutter closed when alina's lips brush against his for barely a moment before the gentle warmth is gone, and nikolai finds himself wanting to chase after her, nudging forward as if hanging onto her every word. ]

Certainly not. I think I'd have found myself in grave danger if you thought I was forcing you to marry me. [ his smile returns, the corners of his eyes crinkling. ] I'd also have gotten a strongly-worded rejection by now, I would wager.

[ his fingers touch her hair again, this time starting at her right temple and tracing around her ear, his thumb gently swiping her cheek. sometimes he can scarcely believe that she's real, usually because of how powerful he knows she is, how vital to this war, but right now it's just because he's never had anyone this pretty and funny and kind in his bed before. besides himself. ]

Can I kiss you? Properly? [ because he aches to. it makes him nervous how much he aches to, because it makes him all too aware that despite his attempts at self-preservation, he think he might have already handed her the knife. ] It's not why I asked you here, I promise you that much, but — the longer I look at you, the more I want to. It's a bit concerning. I might have to push you off the bed soon, but I'll toss you a pillow because I'm always a gentleman.