“We know this must be a heavy decision for you, Your Majesty.” I say somberly “And we’re aware of how many lives are at stake. Thank you for putting your faith in us despite that. We won’t let you down.” The Empress Regent lets out a long, long sigh. “I hope, for everyone’s sake, that it may be so
“This reminds me of old times.” After changing into more appropriate clothes, Zen and I sneaked out of the Crystal Palace. Here in the forest behind the Palace, with only the two of us and Sparrow, I’m reminded of that first travel from SeraphFall to Aquiliona. It was one month ago. It feels like
Something about this place, of former glory, overrun and ruined by false accusations, makes it feel reverent. I glance at Zen, but his expression is as inscrutable as ever. For a moment, all he does is stare at the ruins ahead. His home. The place he was supposed to grow up in as the young lord of
“Wow. Your family has some serious hoards of weapons.” I say, pure awe in my voice “The Sigmonds were a military power, huh.” “Indeed. Our warriors were usually at the forefront of every war Greten has ever had to face.” Zen says, and he observes the walls and the tables “My father was a veteran wh
“I was thinking of them on the way here.” Zen says, in a way that sounds a little like protest “It hasn’t been that long, My Lady.” “Out with it then.” I give him a look “You’ve already decided on the names, haven’t you?” The way he’s pointedly avoiding my eyes tells me I hit the nail on the he
I snap out of my haze of thoughts with those words, whirl around to look at Zen with eyes wide in horror of the misunderstanding. “Of course not.” I say quickly, too sharply “I’ve never pitied you.” Zen looks down at me, silver eyes steady and chilling. I feel my throat dry up, my heart unwittingl
“Why are suddenly talking about this, My Lady?” Zen asks, slightly shaking his head “I’m just putting the option out here.” I say, entirely serious “If you ever get sick of this world, there’s another too.” His eyes widen a bit at that “I’m not— “I’m not saying this out of pity or sympathy or any
“Who did you make that promise to?” I ask, my own voice just as quiet For a long moment, Zen says nothing. I open my mouth to tell him he doesn’t need to tell me, but his voice sounds out before mine can. “My father. It was the last thing he said to me.” I swallow whatever I was about to say. All
I barely manage to find a waste bucket before everything I had for breakfast retches out. My throat burns. My vision is blurry. I dry heave every single thing in my stomach, warmth seeps out of the corners of my eyes. I can’t breathe. The smell of blood is everywhere. I sit there, holding the edges
The smell of rotting flesh is disgusting. Its muscle memory to pull the gloves over my hands, pick a scalpel off the medical tray. The body on the metal table in front of me has no head. ‘You have to take a sample of flesh, a sample of blood and take a look at the internal organs.’ Aunt Cynthia’s
How adorable. Apparently, I’m the only one who thinks so, since when I turn back around, everyone from the fourth prince and the first order to passing strangers and our coachman is looking on in disbelief. Is it so difficult to imagine Zen would get along with children? “Don’t leave your mouth ha
“My Lady, am I mistaken or is the fourth prince avoiding me?” I look up from knotting the satchel to my belt to face Zen. There’s a slight furrow in his brows, and he looks at Lukas, standing far, far from us and talking with the first order soldiers. The fourth prince has indeed, been avoiding Ze
I need to move. But even as I think that, I cant bring myself to move. He’s holding me too firmly, I think, entirely reasonable. I won’t be able to slip away like this. Even the most critical part of me can’t find that to be entirely an excuse. After last night, I doubt there’s anyone who would lik
I wake up to the sound of a door knock. My sleep hazed brain registers the sound, recognizes it, and promptly ignores it in favor of cuddling into the warmth of my bed once more. I don’t want to wake up just yet, since last night I fell asleep so late— Last night? My eyes open, blurry with sleep,
But he’s looking at me now, as if the answer might crush him, as if he’s bracing himself for it. I reach out to drape my arms over his shoulders gently, they hang down in front of his chest lightly. “Why? Because you did your job?” I ask quietly, hold his gaze “Or because you didn’t hesitate to do
“Lift your arm, please.” I say, and my voice comes out soft If we weren’t sitting so close to each other, I would’ve missed it. His shoulders tense up, the even breathing stilled into nothing. “You don’t have to do that, Dinah.” Zen finally says My brows furrow. Zen might be a warrior among warri
On the second floor hallway of the hotel, my eyes drift to the room where Zen is supposed to be. My room is just at its side. I wonder if I knock on his door right now, would he be annoyed? He did ask not to be disturbed. The image of his bloodied arm flashes in my mind. Just a moment. I just want