"We are. We're going to homestead and ride together, even if we never leave this village," he says, because to him that is such a commitment, even if he's not sure how to say the rest.

Even if his nose wrinkles at that, making a face. "You and me... and even him." At least he's useful. Like a dog. Okay he knows better than to ever say that outloud.

Then that question that's direct and to the point. "That's a loaded question," he says, deadly serious now and without any of the humor and taunting that is usually in his words. "Because what I want from you is a lot more than that to me, and I can't swear I'll ever be able to give you what you want in bed but... If you're putting it that way?"

He sighs, not sure of his words, of any of this and he hates feeling so uncertain. Yet he wouldn't give up having this moment for anything.

"Ours. This is our floor. Our rooms. That's where I want you."