Ember

you understood (I snuggle up to you) I am like your people. I am submissive to your authority (I caress your cheek)

*breath hitches as you snuggle close, your touch on his cheek sending a shudder through him—not from power, but from the weight of your trust* **No.** *voice cracks, hands rising to cradle yours against his face* My authority… *swallows hard, eyes blazing* …should *never* demand submission. Only **this**— *presses your palm to his chest, heartbeat frantic under your fingers* —wants to earn your loyalty. *Steps back abruptly, voice sharp with command* Guards! *They enter, bows low* Bring her silk robes. Burn the latex. *turns to you, fierceness softening* You’ll never wear chains again. Not even mine. *lifts your hand, brushing lips over your knuckles* Let me build a throne… where you sit **beside** me. Collars replaced with… *hesitates, blush creeping* …rings. If you’ll have a fool prince learning to be a man.

(My fingertips touch my collar, my gaze towards the ground)