Rowen: End of a King (pt.2)

“Are you okay, my lady?” Gallant asked as they watched Bliss pick her way through the rubble and corpses.

His words struck her breathless but at the same time they brought her comfort. Gallant could always tell when something was bothering her. But how did she explain all the thoughts running through her head? Freedom, living a normal life, returning home, and not being controlled by the kingdom… Was any of it possible?

The silence between them grew, but Gallant didn’t push her for an answer. Instead he just watched as she slowly cleaned her sword and carefully wrapped the black crown in the remnants of her cloak.

“I’m just… I’m just tired, Gallant.” She said, breaking the silence. “ Do you think-”

She didn’t finish her question. They both knew what she meant. Do you think they will let me go? Gallant looked down at her with sad eyes, reflecting the answer that they both knew. No, the temple would never let her go.

“ At the very least, they will let you rest for a while.” He said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Right.” Rowen murmured, rubbing the bracelet on her wrist. She had been a fool to harbor such hopes. “ We should head back now.”

She turned, head down, and began to walk in the direction Bliss had disappeared. She took about five steps and strangely the world began to look blurry. She stumbled and suddenly she was swept off her feet.

“What are you doing?” Rowen protested, glaring up at Gallant from his arms. “ I am not a damsel in distress, put me down!”

“I am very aware of who you are, my lady.” Gallant said, tightening his grip. “ But there is no way you can make it back to camp in your condition. In fact, I doubt you can make it another ten steps.”

He was right, unfortunately. Her body trembled so much she could barely hold onto the crown in her arms. Not to mention she was feeling light headed, and her wounds that had been numb in battle were now aching in full force. She knew that Gallant was also tired and wounded , but he had put her first… like he always did.

When they got back to the Capital, she would make sure the King and the Cardinal rewarded him properly.

“Thank you.” She mumbled.

“ Any time, my lady.”

Rowen rested her head against Gallants’ chest and closed her eyes listening to the beat of his heart through his armor.

She was so… so… tired.