Doubts as to reciprocation also lingered in the princess' mind. No expectations existed between she and Delita, the only limitations forged by their willingness and bravery. How would she ever know his feelings, unless she asked?

That may have been, but words escaped her, hovered somewhere beyond her reach. All she managed was his name in a breath, before the red flush blossoming across his cheeks quieted her entirely. He was blushing, could it truly be?

A soft sound akin to a half gasp, half sigh escaped her lips as their gaze held - and then it came. Instinct lifted her hand, slowly yet surely, until her palm gently cupped the side of his face, felt the warm heat of a cheek, fingers touching soft, dark locks for the first time.