It's pretty much the most romantic thing anybody has ever said to him. For a moment, as Wilhelm listens to Jesper's heartbeat through his shirt, he wishes that he could be in love with him. Jesper is funny and charming and gorgeous, generous and reliable and brave. He obviously cares about Wilhelm, and Wilhelm cares about him in return.

But you can't make your heart do anything. He's already learned that lesson. Well, and then instead of being lonely, he'd be jealous as hell of all the other boys who get to be in Jesper's arms like this.

"I'm your only pigeon," he answers cheekily, but he softens again at once. "I know...I know you would. Maybe someday you'll get to be the hero again, and I'll get to run away with you. Then we'd get to see each other all the time."

It's a nice little dream to have, and there's no harm in indulging it. He doesn't doubt Jesper's tenacity, but he also knows not to underestimate the power of a monarchy. But all kinds of impossible things seem possible here, don't they?