<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ff99">"You are what tethers me here, Gwen," he said softly.  "The title and position are what make it acceptable to others -- but you should know that it is not duty that draws me to you."  He stroked her hair, then allowed himself to stroke her cheek with one large, callused hand.  "You may be my duty, but you have never been <i>just</i> duty to me, bright heart."  He either did not notice or did not place significance upon her declaration of loving him.  "You still need my protection, little one -- just in a different way.  I no longer must guard you from the monster in your wardrobe... now, perhaps, I can ward your dreams."</span></span>