-1Henry lay wide awake in bed, thinking of the day to come.

The first hunt of early summer would begin promptly at eight o'clock, followed by a meeting of the guard for the new prison being built in Reims, and then it would be a sitting with Parliament for the remainder of the evening. He would share a private dinner with his wife and some of the nobles of court, but it was unlikely he would have more than just a moment alone with the woman who was peacefully asleep beside him.

The last burning embers in the fireplace allowed a soft bronze glow to light the room. Through the shadows cast by the tall four-post bed he could see the silhouette of her satin-clad back. He watched as her shoulders rising and falling with every breath she took. It was still a wonder to him how a woman so intelligent and beautiful had chosen to be his wife. Who was he once, but a vain and selfish prince?

No, not now. Now he was a king, happier than any man could be, by simply watching his one love in peaceful slumber.

He stretched out a careful hand and swept her red-gold tresses over her smooth shoulder, which had escaped from its nightgown sleeve. He rested his hand on her upper arm, gently leaning forward and caressing the exposed skin with light kisses. Her skin was soft beneath his lips, and he became overwhelmed with the love he had for her.

No, he was no king. Now he was simply a man lying close to his dearest love, content to rule nothing but her heart.

He pressed his cheek against the warm shoulder of his lover, sighing quietly.

"Mm, cold…" she mumbled softly. He slipped his hand to her waist, pulling her into his protecting arms. She sighed softly, snuggling deeply into his warm embrace. He closed his eyes, petting her hair gently.

"I love you, Danielle." he whispered, kissing his softly behind the ear.

"Love you, Henry…" she said sleepily.

No, nothing mattered here. Nothing but this moment, nothing but his beautiful wife dozing in his arms.

He smiled, wrapping his arms around her beautiful form securely. And he knew, in the darkness, she was smiling, too.