[b]River was quiet as Emera pried herself from his arms, not liking the emptiness he felt without her there. When had she become something so precious on his life; why did he feel like he needed her as much as he needed wings to fly?

Sliding from Emera's bed, River moved behind the woman as she continued to be difficult & check her appearance in the mirror. She complained too much for her own good, he sometimes felt like she was going to work herself into a stroke over the simplest of things. River's hands moved up to the amulet around his neck & he pulled it off, carelessly discarding the expensive jewel that hung from the cord. In its place he put his royal ring, knowing it would be too large for his lover's finger.

River leaned in & gently kissed Emera's cheek before laying the cord around her neck, his ring hanging just before her. Perhaps giving her his special treasure would placate her for now; he knew she wouldn't be completely at ease until they said their vows, but this would have to do until then.

"Emera, I can't wed you yet because Aranhil hasn't had a son with his wife," River explained gently, although his voice was almost frighteningly serious, "According to law, the first male heir to produce a son inherits the throne; I have too much respect for my brother to contest him for the throne, nor do I ever intend to be king; I'd much rather spend my days spoiling my wife & children."

River affectionately nuzzled Emera's shoulder & wrapped his arms tightly around her, hoping he had finally convinced her to stop worrying. He absolutely hated to see her so sure that she wasn't enough for him, bit even she had to know that he would eventually draw a line. Some days, he felt ready to give her what she said she wanted & leave her be, but he knew how much it would destroy them both.

"I will go with you to the vampires' territory, but no more talk of making peace," River ordered, turning Emera to face him now, "I was taught how to fight wars, not end conflicts peacefully. Once you meet a couple of vampires, you'll understand why I'm not comfortable around them."[/b]