The misty fog faded away from the both of us as we appeared in Théoden's bedchambers. “Theo what are we‒” I began to ask as I was confused as to why he teleported us to his bedchambers and not my own.

He remained silent as I watched his shoulders rise and fall as he took several deep breaths. “Theo?” I reached up and touched his shoulder as I watched as he tried to calm himself. “It’s alright. I am alright.” I said in as much of a soothing voice as I could.

He looked down at me with a soft smile, “I see that. I… I am just frustrated that they almost killed you and the rest of the Council.”

“But you stopped it.” I muttered softly as I stared at him with soft eyes. I eventually wrapped my arms around his waist and squeezed him tightly.

“You alerted me first, our bond sensed the poison. I took it away from you instantly so you wouldn’t feel anything.” I felt him wrap his arms, grasp my body and squeeze me back just as tightly. “I’m just happy that you are safe.”

He rested his head against mine and kissed my forehead gently. “That still doesn’t answer why we are here and not in my own room?” I asked him again with a smile on my face as I stared up into his eyes.

“I had plans for us to have a night together. However, I am not asking for sex anymore, but I am wanting to just be here for some time.”

I knew Théoden had plans for us to have some personal time after the celebration and it doesn’t surprise me that he still wanted some private time with just us.

“Théoden I‒” He cut me off with a pleasant kiss on the lips.

“Shh… Let’s not say another word, let’s just lay and cuddle in bed?” Théoden said with a grin on his face.

He picked me up and walked me over to his oversized king bed and placed me on it softly. He walked over to the other side and slid in behind me, wrapping his arms around me, pulling me into him.

I didn’t mind this cuddle session one bit, as I missed being in his arms in real life. “Theo, as much as Iove these cuddles‒”

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“Shh….” Théoden said as he pulled me into him more, if that wasn’t even possible. “Let me have this.” He muttered as he buried his head into my hair.

“Theo‒”

He grumbled and pulled his head back from mine, “A man can’t enjoy the love of his life?”

“I know I was almost poisoned but what brought this on?”

“Do I need a reason for cuddles?” Théoden questioned me as he moved over top of me, he met my lips with his own.

“I mean, you are usually against me being in your room.” I pointed out.

He smiled down at me, “Oh Maria, I could just vanish you off to your room if that is what you wish…” His eyes softened and his lip quivered as if he was about to pout. “However, I would love it if you would stay.”

I brushed my finger against his pouting lip, “Now dear, aren’t I the one who usually pouts?”

“Yes, but considering I cave when you pout, I figured I would give it a try.” He quivered his lip one more time and widened his crystal blue eyes even more if that was even possible. “Well?”

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing, “Charming. Of course I will stay. I am just confused.”

He sighed in relief and fell back beside me pulling me into him once more. “I just want to feel you close to me for a while. I am tired of almost losing you and then not being able to hold you afterwards. Besides, I will teleport you to your room after we are done cuddling.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his response, especially after I felt him nuzzle against my hair even more. “Is this a permanent thing?”

“You almost dying? I hope not.”

“No, I mean the cuddles.” I said with a chuckle.

“The cuddles… Hmmm… We shall see about that Mi Amor.” Théoden said as he muttered it through my hair.

I dared not to complain much more, I loved being in his embrace even if it was only going to be for an hour or so. I honestly felt like there was more to this want of cuddle, rather it be his jealousy or the fact that I almost died that caused this. But I didn’t want to complain.

The cuddles lasted a bit longer than the both of us had thought as after ten minutes of silence, Théoden was the first one to fall asleep. I didn’t move him nor wake him up as I knew he hadn’t been sleeping well due to his continuous search for fiends in the city. His lair indicated to him if there is an issue and sometimes he grew disappointed when his lair failed to indicate an issue.

So, I knew he was working tirelessly to improve the lair around the kingdom as well as protecting the citizens within it. This sleep was much needed for him as it was for me, as I soon found myself drifting in and out of sleep in his arms.

“Theo I‒” I began to mutter as his arms wrapped around me and his head nuzzled into my hair brought me a sense of comfort that I hadn’t felt in awhile. My eyes grew heavier as I drifted more and more into sleep.