Sylvian stood up, effortlessly sweeping her into his arms before she could react.
"Your Highness, put me down!" Iliana protested, her face flushing crimson as she instinctively gripped his shoulders.
He paid no heed to her whispered scolding, carrying her carefully up the wooden staircase and into the small, warmly lit bedroom where the oil lamp flickered on the bedside table.
Gently, he lowered her onto the edge of the mattress, the crocheted blanket sliding from his shoulders as he knelt to unlace and remove her slippers. He looked up at her, meeting her gaze.
"I'll just hold you close to sleep," Iliana murmured, her voice softening as she looked down at him, realizing the small bed could easily accommodate them both for the night. "It is the only way to keep us both warm. What if I get sick? Then, you'll blame yourself tomorrow."
Iliana could not entirely hide her answering smile, though she quickly folded her hands over her lap. "Fine. But nothing more than that."
