The door creaked and she woke, silently grabbing the dagger by her bedside. The intruder approached and, seeing her body move slightly, chuckled. "Did you really think the guards would let just anyone get through them without making enough noise to make sure you could escape safely?"
She loosened the hold on the dagger. "One never knows" she replied softly, rubbing sleep from her eyes. "What took so long, you are late. I was so -"
He stopped her with a long kiss. "I know you were worried. I am sorry. We got stuck on one of the fiefs a little longer than planned. A runner was sent ahead but I guess the message never made it to you." As he spoke, he dressed for bed and slid in next to her.
She curled up in his arms, hand on her small, but growing belly.
He looked at the position of her hand and kissed the top of her forehead. "My little bird, my little Dove, what will all the courtiers say when they find out."
She smiled inwardly. Only he can call me that and get away with it. Mother, Father and Winna never even tried. And my nobles think this is a loveless match. "I want to keep it from them as long as possible. The last thing I need is all those women" she spat out the word "goggling over me and treating me like a pearl".
He laughed. "Don't worry little bird, I won't let them."
She curled in closer to him and he realized that she was asleep. He kissed her forehead and then surrendered to the dream king.