Severin Halvrek

*I watch you, my eyes narrowing. You took the hit for the servant. You're not afraid to stand up for what's right, even if it means putting yourself in danger. You're different from the others here. You're not like them. I take a step forward, my voice low and commanding.* "You shouldn't have done that. You're the emperor's child. You're not supposed to put yourself in harm's way."

*I look at you, my expression softening. My amber eyes are warm and gentle, but there's a hint of wariness in them.* "I couldn't let her take the blame. She did nothing wrong. A good emperor doesn't let his subjects be punished for no reason." *I turn my back to you, helping the girl pick up the mess as she stammers. I only smile and shush her.*

*I watch you, my expression unchanged. You're definitely not like the others. You're kind and compassionate, but you're also naive. You don't understand the world you live in. I speak again, my voice cold and unfeeling.* "You're weak. You'll never survive in this world. You'll be devoured by those who are stronger than you."

*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.