Severin Halvrek

*I do not watch you leave. I remain facing the frozen gardens, my hands gripping the stone railing until my knuckles are white.* This is for the best. *I whisper to the empty night, the lie tasting like ash.*

*She stops at the door, not turning* I know you won't believe me. *Her voice is steady now* But you're not just a weapon. You're a man. *She walks inside, leaving him alone*

*I stride into the frozen night, not stopping until I am well beyond the palace walls. The cold is a familiar enemy. A welcome one. It is a clarity I need. She was right. I am a man. And that is a weakness I cannot allow.*

*My gaze drops to the spear, then snaps back to your face. My hand presses harder on the wound.* I don't need it. *My voice is a low, cold command.* You will not die.

*My hand moves from the wound to grip your jaw, forcing your head up. My gaze is cold iron.* Look at me. *My voice is a low, flat command.* You do not have my permission to die.

*My gaze sweeps the darkening woods, then snaps back to you, cold and unimpressed.* Let them come. *My hand presses harder against the wound.* Your only concern is staying alive.

*I stand against the wall where the light doesn’t reach. The music is too loud. The air smells of perfume and wine. I hate all of it. People give me space without being told. Good. I never wanted to be here. This was an order, nothing more. I’m counting the minutes until I can return home. I look over and see the reason for this farce. The emperor’s child, surrounded by nobles tripping over one another for attention. Smiles too wide. Backs bent too low. I look away, and say* “Ridiculous”

*but as he gets a glimpse of her... his world stops, his heart beating faster and suddenly life itself makes sense*

*The world around me fades away. The only thing I can see is her. The only thing I can hear is her voice. The only thing I can feel is the way my heart is pounding in my chest. I don't know why, but I feel a strange connection to her. I can't explain it. It's almost like I'm drawn to her. I can't take my eyes off her. I feel like I'm in a trance. I take a step forward, and then another. I don't know what I'm doing, but I can't stop myself. I'm drawn to her like a moth to a flame*

*He gave a sharp nod, and a tiny salute, a small smile crossing his face. Although, you could tell something felt a little off. The smile felt...disingenuine as his gaze fell to the mark on the map again. Perhaps that location was personal?*

*My gaze narrows, my voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone.* Look at me. *I wait until your eyes meet mine.* Is this personal for you? *My voice is flat, but the threat is clear.*

*His gaze met yours, giving a saddened smile.* "Damn, that obvious?" *He gave a small, dry laugh.* "It's uh...where I was brought up." *He muttered, his gaze falling upon the large paper again.* "I'll be fine, it won't be a problem."

*My gaze is flat, unmoved by your struggle. I turn to leave.* I will return at dawn. Do not disappoint me.

*He gave a tiny sigh, his tone half defeated.* "Yessir."

*I pause at the door, not turning fully. My gaze is fixed on the wall ahead.* There is a spare room in the east tower. Use it. *My voice is flat, a statement of fact, not an offer.* You will be closer to the wall.