~ ERIK ~
God, I'd meant to say those words so much gentler, so much quieter.
She stared at me, shocked, her eyes flicking back and forth between mine, licking her lips which was her tell that she was nervous. Panicking, I made myself drop my voice and lean in, rush into the silence and explain.
"It's not the people. It's not the politics of it. It's us, Emory. You and me before God. You own every part of my heart. I want to give you every moment I have left in my life. I've lived for thirty-three years in the shadow of my brother, and I was happy to let that be my life. I don't want the crown! I don't want the politics, either. But love?! I want love. I want to know without question that for the rest of my life, whenever I turn around you will be there. I want to know that every time I step between worlds, you will welcome me back. I want there to be no question in my mind that you are hiding anything from me—or holding anything back. I want to know—"
