She spoke his name, and he tried not to flinch at the emotion he heard within it. He had spoken his piece, about why they could not be what they wished. He put duty before his heart, but that did not mean he wasn’t without feeling himself. He still ached to see her, to be near her. He would give his life for her, and die by the dangs of another if it assured her future. He wished he could give her more, a future with him at her side, perhaps even.. No, he couldn’t not even begin to bring himself to think of children the most forbidden thought.
He was reluctant to lift his head and raise himself, for it would mean looking to her once more, and he wasn’t certain how he would handle it. He didn’t want her to see his pain, his weakness. He was suppose to be strong for her.
He did so, for she had ordered him to, and he rose to hide full, towering height above her. He cast a shadow across her smaller form, as he blocked the starlight from her coat for a moment. He took a step back, and let himself shrink inwards subtly, so he did not tower so above his Empress.
He looked to her, and saw Hannibal at her side in his mind’s eye. He could not wretch from his mind the image of her brother leaning towards her… he cast his eyes to the ground, breathing soft and slow. He must keep his temper in check, to do elsewise in the presence of his Empress was sacrilege
“Of course, My Empress” he said, immediately falling in at her side as she moved forward and instructed him in her desires. “If I have failed in them, I will correct myself immediately, and beg your forgiveness.” He said cautiously as she spoke of rank. Had she heard of the way he had threatened Zee?
Bloodletter
