Pucking Forbidden Claim
I say, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
She sniffles but lets me pull her into a hug, her tiny arms wrapping around my neck again. After a moment, she pulls back and climbs into bed, tucking herself under the covers.
“Story?” she asks quietly, her voice still a little sad but no longer angry.
“Of course, princess,” I say, grabbing a book from the nightstand.
She watches me carefully as I sit beside her, her head resting against my arm. I start reading, keeping my voice steady, soft. The story is one she’s heard a hundred times before, but she still listens intently, her breathing slowly evening out.