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Celina could feel Brine hold her just a little closer as her Demi-God of a spouse cuddled her. His breathing was soft as he laid against her, his head on her chest. She gently petted his hair as he snuggled into her chest just a bit more. She chuckled.
The day had been a nice one, with lots of traders coming to Creatoria with their wares and helping business boom in the town square. The kingdom had grown a lot in the past couple of years, and at this point, Celina was even discussing it with the mayor of Steve’s village, Forest’s City. The two knew how close their homes were, and they were currently working on merging the smaller village with Creatoria to make the Forest’s District and Plains’ District. It was a merge that would surely benefit both places, and Celina was excited for it.
Of course it would be especially safe for the citizens of Forest’s City with Brine patrolling and with the knights and Irona moving through the city streets. The knights would definitely provide more security to the smaller village.
But that was something she could worry about later. For now, she had a very sleepy spouse to cuddle with as she laid across the couch in her grand room.
Brine spoke to the queen as he closed his eyes, finding his voice. “You’re cozy.”
Celina chuckled. “You’re pretty cozy yourself, my Demi-God. You’re really warm.”
“So I’ve been told.” He yawned a tiny yawn and nuzzled his head into his wife’s chest. She was so soft and warm and he felt so safe in her arms. He honestly felt… like he was home in her arms. The feeling of her gloved fingers running across his hair was really nice, and the feeling of her heart beating against him was soothing.
“Are you falling asleep, Brine,” she asked.
“A little bit. But I’m trying not to.” He smiled at the queen. “You’re just so comforting… and… I feel safe with you.”
Celina’s heart melted and she placed a kiss on his head. “I’m glad I make you feel that way, Brine. You mean so much to me, and I always do my best to make you feel loved and safe.”
He nodded. “You’ve always done that. You’ve done that ever since we became best friends, and since we’ve been married.” He scooted up a tiny bit more, keeping his arms wrapped around Celina as he bundled up closer to her. He kept his eyes closed, his mind calm and his heart at peace.
The queen could see the sun had almost completely sunk below the horizon and she gently nudged her nearly asleep spouse. “Hey, sleepyhead. The sun is almost down. Do you want to go to bed?”
Brine made a small mumble. “...Comfy.”
“We can get comfy in the bed. Besides, I need to get the kids all settled in their beds. How about you go to the room, I’ll meet you up there?”
There was a beat of silence before Brine nodded. “Okay.”
Celina stood as Brine backed away, moving to head to the throne room to fetch their kids. As she left, blowing him a kiss when she did, Brine slowly looked to the stone brick stairs leading up to their bedroom. He blinked a few times before teleporting to their room. He really didn’t feel like climbing the stairs today.
The Demi-God changed into his pajamas before climbing onto his side of their bed, under the orange third of the blanket. He waited for a few moments, fiddling with his hands. It was about twenty minutes before he found himself looking to the doors.
Celina pushed them open and then shut them behind her. She then moved over to a chest, speaking as she did so. “Sorry that took so long, Brine. Azariah and Luna wanted to tell me about the nice playdate they had with Irona and the other golems.”
Brine chuckled. “No need to apologize. I understand how much they like to tell you about everything they do.”
Celina let a little chuckle escape as she moved so delicately to get into her nightgown. She eventually moved onto bed, crawling up to get under the blankets and lie next to Brine. She laid on her side, facing him, and the queen put an arm under head. Celina smiled at Brine. “Hi there.”
Brine giggled. “Hello, my queen. How was your day?”
“Good,” Celina responded softly. “I bought some pretty jewelry from a wandering trader. He was selling some pretty emerald jewelry. And I bought Jewelavyn some earrings to give to her later. She should like them.”
Brine nodded. “Sounds like it. She’s a big fan of emeralds. I know she has quite a few in her castle.” He shifted a bit in his spot so he was more comfy, lying next to the queen. “I watched the kids most of the day. Helios and Azariah were pretending to be knights, and it was pretty cute.”
A nod was given from Celina. “Sounds like it. I love seeing how they pretend and get creative.” She smiled ever so softly and looked into those enchanting white eyes of her spouse. “I love you so much,” she told him in a soft voice. “I love you more than anything, Brine.”
Brine blinked in surprise, before looking into her gray and telling her, “I love you more, my darling. I think you’re the most perfect person that could be mine and Cenlar’s. We love you… I love you, and I will always protect you.”
Tears formed in Brine’s white eyes and Celina moved a hand to wipe them away. “Brine, don’t cry, my love. I know it’s always been hard for you to be emotionally stable, especially after what happened to you so long ago. But you’ve made so much progress, my dear. I couldn’t be more proud of you. I love you so much, and I’m glad to call you my best friend and spouse. I love you more than anything.”
Brine felt his lip tremble as a smile crept across his lips. He let out a small noise, one he could only describe as love for his wife. “You’re more than I could ask for, Celina. You mean everything to me. And you’re the apple of my eye. I love you so much. You’ve taught me how to be human again. And I adore everything about you. You’re my best friend.”
A soft giggle came from the queen, her hand moving to his cheek. She gently kissed Brine, her lips meeting his lips with a gentleness he knew well. When they pulled apart, Brine found himself hugging his wife and pulling her close. “I love you so much, my queen.
“And I, you, my Demi-Deity.” She kissed his cheek. “Good night, Brine. Sleep well.”
“You as well, Celina.” He held her close as they drifted into the black of sleep. They loved each other dearly, and not a thing could ever change that.