“I will always wish it,” she insisted vehemently, the passion in her own voice mirroring his perfectly. “You have always been my champion; everyone still alive in this castle knows this. And if decreeing you Crown Champion will be what tethers you home, then let it be so.” She closed her eyes as she felt his hands run soothingly up and down her back, and made no move to disentangle herself from the intimate embrace they shared. How easy it was to fall back into old routines with him; effortless, like breathing.<br/><br/>“I don’t even need protection anymore Cam. I just need the company of someone I love. The palace is so quiet now, the silence and the sound of those damned lyres drives me mad. Even slumber no longer comes easily.” She hoped that having him home would ease the burden on her heart.