[Trigger Warning: Mention of child abuse and grooming. Reader discretion is advised.]
I cupped his face. "For better, for worse... Did you think when I put this ring on my finger, it was just me simply being a King?"
He tried to lean away, but I kept him close.
"I'm your wife, Ares. Your wife. Nothing should be between us. Nothing. Your fears are mine, my fears yours, too. We can be better, remember?"
I brushed his hair backwards so that they don't fall on his forehead. I set my hands on my lap, patiently waiting for him to open up. It's hard, but that step was the only way.
The more this dragged out, the more I could feel that maybe I don't know Ares as much as I thought I did. I wanted to bring down that wall because I want all of him, just as he has all of me.
"After my mom died..." Ares voiced, heavy and uncertain, like he was still thinking through, so I placed my hand on his, gripping the counter until his veins protruded.
