If Asbjørn blinks repeatedly once they break away, it's only because he's wondering whether this is truly happening or not.

But for once every interal force inside him aligns. And despite the doubt, and the fear, and the downright terror that he could ruin everything, he is completely certain that right now, in this strange enchanted place, this is what he wants.

When he kisses Ruby again, it's longer and much more sure. Something between a soft sigh and another purr also makes itself heard.