Inwardly he cringed, but he refrained from even flinching as he listened to Hela make her way through the bedchamber and join him on the balcony. Keeping still as she sidled up behind him, her arms wrapping around his waist like that of his dream, he closed his eyes and tried not to shudder. He had to remind himself that this is what he wanted. He had chosen this. Willing his body to cooperate, he relaxed into her embrace, his hands coming up to cover Hela's where they rested.