Holland idly ran his finger over scars and bone, the line of Kells jaw and lightly over his bottom lip while he spoke.

Kell was beautiful.

And Holland understood the pressures ruling a kingdom held. They left little time for much else. And maybe that was why he was savoring these moments he had with Kell. They were learning each other in a different way. Without barriers and limits and secrets or contempt.

His focus strayed while Kell talked. Up and down and eventually he met his eyes again and stayed there.

“I never wanted to rule. I still don’t,” Slowly he rolled onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. “I’ve almost always been in a cage. Ruling is just another title with bars.”

He’d always just wanted a simple life, really.