Something sweet I made for myself for Vday

The sun was shining down on the little clearing they'd snuck off to, driving the day to its peak heat. They had routed the enemy forces yesterday so all that was left was to break camp and move on, a task his generals could easily handle. That meant they could steal these precious few moments, a rarity when they were on campaign. His coat and armor lay discarded in the grass close by, for they were merely a formality, a symbol of his power, he needed no such protections. She ran her fingers through his hair, who would believe Jericho Swain could look so peaceful? It was her privilege alone to see him as he was now, half-asleep in her lap, unburdened for this short time. Sometimes she found herself wishing for the impossible, that that they could always be as they were now, simply two people, in love with each other, no Empire for her to share him with.

She sighed to herself, that was not their reality, and wishing would not change it. In fact, these peaceful moments were nearly at an end, the scouts would return shortly, and they would be looked for. "We should get back soon, my love."

Where she expected him to stir, he remained as he was, eyes closed. "No. We'll hear when they've returned."

As usual, she felt he was reading her mind, what was unusual was his hesitancy to return to his duties. "But..."

"Kat." She was cut off by a finger pressed firmly to her lips. "I'm the Grand General, I'll decide when we return. Is that understood Madame?" Now he was staring at her with those fathomless dark eyes.

She smiled at him in that soft way that was only ever for him, knowing that this was for her. "Yes, Sir." She leaned down to brush her lips tenderly against his. She couldn't change their world, but she could find contentment in what they had, even if that was only a few more stolen moments.