The skies in Arus were gray, and the winds were brisk as Jonathan 'Hunk' Chandler and Annie Brøchner approached the magnificent Castle of Lions, walking arm in arm. Her hand was caught in his elbow, where his hard muscles bulged against one another. He felt solid and strong, like a man should feel. He looked so handsome in his yellow jacket with the Head of Yellow Lion embroidered on its right sleeve, and faded blue jeans. Annie sighed deeply and instinctively snuggled closer to his warmth. Hunk gazed down at her and smiled appreciatively. She looked so beautiful in her off white hooded fleece coat and black leggings. A few locks of her shoulder-length blond hair brushed her lovely face.

They had been dating for almost four months. Their relationship had started out of mutual admiration for their work with children and, truth to be told their love for food. But now they couldn't live without each other.

"There's a storm coming," he told her, "you can feel it in the air."

She smiled. "Oh I hope you're right. It hasn't snowed in more than five years," she said with glee. "I love playing in the snow,"

"Maybe we could go to Lake Maane for some skiing," he suggested.

"I don't know how to sky," she grumbled. "I prefer to throw snowballs or flop on the white stuff and make snow angels."

He chuckled softly. "Me too," he said, kissing her right temple.

Just as they were about to cross the magnificent bridge leading to the castle, an elderly man pulled a cart overflowing with children in front of them. They waved at them and giggled.

"Goodbye Hunk! Goodbye Annie!" they cried.

Hunk wriggled his fingers in return, and crossed his eyes at them. The children shrieked with delight until the man told them to hush. Annie eyed the pilot of Yellow Lion tenderly and he leaned down until his mouth was close to her ear.

"I love children," he whispered. His breath was warm against her neck and he seemed to linger there a moment, the stubble of his beard scraping her. Annie remained still, caught up in the spell of his nearness.

"I'm sure that when you were a little boy, all the kids follow you around," she told him admiringly.

His smiled faded. "I was too big," he said sadly, "and they were afraid of me, because sometimes I couldn't control my strength."

Her throat tightened as she imagined him a little boy, awkward in a too large body, playing by himself. She wanted to kiss that little boy's brow and soothe his ruffled dark hair. Annie slid her hand into his much larger one. She saw the surprise on his face as he lifted their clasped fingers.

She reached out and caressed his cheek. "You're very special to me, Jonathan," she said in a whispery tone.

His heart filled with warmth at her admission. "I like the way you say my name," he murmured low.

"Everybody calls you Hunk, and I must admit that you are one," she said, a hint of mischief on her voice, "but your given name is beautiful. It means 'The Lord's gift' in Hebrew."

He smiled down at her as she looked up at him. She felt breathless. His was a strong face, and she had already come to love his dark brown eyes.

"Annie," he whispered wrapping his arms tightly around her, and his mouth found hers.

Her head was spinning. Her heart was pounding. Her belly knotted and unknotted itself in a repetitive rhythm. It was a glorious feeling.

Finally, he broke away, setting her down gently upon the stone steps. "Let's go," she sighed, her cheeks blushing prettily. "The Princess is waiting for us."

He put his huge arm around her, giving her a small squeeze. "Your wish is my command, Milady," he replied reverently.