There was a sort of relief to be felt in that he didn’t think her silly for being so worried, so shy and nervous. Where others may have scoffed at it, brushed aside fears without a second thought and assured her of no need to be in such a state, he took what she said and what she felt seriously. He was one of the few to consistently do that, and it left her feeling all the more comfortable in his presence. It was one of the many things she’d never feel for her prince, one of the many things that she didn’t have with anyone else and hadn’t since she was old enough to understand her position.<br/><br/>With Brád, everything was…easier, without being easier at the same time. Confusing, but comforting simultaneously.<br/><br/>As his arms wrapped about her, she smiled up at him, heart skipping a beat as she took in his smile, took in the look in his eyes. She’d have been content to stand there and merely look at him, but a kiss took precedent in this moment. A single kiss that told her everything she needed to know. In that one kiss, she felt the love he held for her, his caring, and the honesty in his words. There were no ulterior motives in his feelings toward her nor his actions, as there had always been with others. With him, she was just a girl, and he was just a guy. There was no title, no rank, no treaty.<br/><br/>The only thing that would have made this moment any better would have been if they were far away from Sirmia where there was no marriage and no worry of getting caught just holding each other.<br/><br/>Turning into his touch once more, she felt tears brimming in her eyes, but they were tears of joy, happiness in the moment with him. Resting her cheek against his shoulder, she let out a deep sigh. “How early will you have to leave me?” Maria asked quietly. As she pulled away from him, a hand slid down his arm to take hold of his hand, steps carrying her toward the bed.<br/><br/>“I know you tell me not to focus on the time we depart, but I cannot help it. I won’t sleep until after you’ve left. I’ll stay up as long as I have to, even if we don’t say another word.” Honestly, if he’d said the word, she’d have left with him that very night without a second look back. She was beyond doing her duty; in her mind, she’d done her part. Now all she wanted was what made herself happy, and that wasn’t something she’d find within the castle walls.