"I don't think I even need to say this," Emma murmured as she stood beside William, her head resting gently against his shoulder.
"...but you are not allowed to risk your life."
Her eyes never left the horizon where the newborn sun slowly rose from behind the hills, bathing the world in pale golden light.
William smiled warmly at her words.
"Of course." His voice carried effortless tenderness. "My life belongs to you now." He turned slightly to look at her. "How could I dare risk something that's yours?"
Emma hummed softly without hesitation.
"The only reason I'm not participating in this is because of the villagers and Nana." Her fingers tightened around his hand. "Protecting them is your responsibility."
Then she looked up at him quietly.
"And my responsibility is protecting you."
William held her hand with the same tenderness he always had.
How many times had he done this already?
He couldn't remember anymore.
