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Night duty was usually something he left to one of his men. As it was mostly standing outside a bedroom and watching doors, Alastair used it as his chance to get the few precious hours of sleep before taking over. His leg was good for about 10-12 hours before he had to get off it and rest. And having heard been present outside the door for the majority of the fight, he figured that she would want to rest alone.
She must have forgotten his presence as he quietly walked behind her, allowing her to slam the door behind her and grieve in peace. At that point, secured within her rooms, she allowed Trist to take over, thinking it was the best time to sleep. He retreated to his private room in the guard house, forgoing a bath in favor of rest.
He had maybe been asleep for an hour before he was woke by a pounding on his door. Pulling on a robe, he was about to scold the man on the other side when the look on his face stopped him. The news that the Queen was bleeding and the babe in danger had him tossing aside the robe, dressing in his normal black chiton before he quickly returned to his post, this time from the corner of the room to be there, should anything be required from him. As he watched the excitement take place, he was reassured that this was not an act of an outside force. Perhaps the stress had caused it, or the activity. Whatever it had been, the Queen seemed to be alright for the moment.
Alastair’s blue eyes scanned the room, emotionless behind the mask of responsibility. He had heard the majority of the argument, had tried not to, in all honesty. And yet, there had been little he felt he could do to assist the situation. He was simply there to protect the Queen, not to pass judgment on the King.
As the room quieted down, and slowly emptied out, the dark haired guard stayed in his spot. But instead of moving outside the door, as he normally would, he was rooted in the corner, eyes carefully watching the Queen, who had yet to notice that he was still there. That didn’t surprise him, as it was his job to stay in the background and be seen, but not heard. It didn’t matter that his leg was throbbing, that his weight was shifted to the staff he always had with him. All that mattered was that she had gone through a hellish night, and she needed the stability of a familiar but silent face.
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May 25, 2019 21:31:23 GMT
Posted In Not My Place on May 25, 2019 21:31:23 GMT
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Night duty was usually something he left to one of his men. As it was mostly standing outside a bedroom and watching doors, Alastair used it as his chance to get the few precious hours of sleep before taking over. His leg was good for about 10-12 hours before he had to get off it and rest. And having heard been present outside the door for the majority of the fight, he figured that she would want to rest alone.
She must have forgotten his presence as he quietly walked behind her, allowing her to slam the door behind her and grieve in peace. At that point, secured within her rooms, she allowed Trist to take over, thinking it was the best time to sleep. He retreated to his private room in the guard house, forgoing a bath in favor of rest.
He had maybe been asleep for an hour before he was woke by a pounding on his door. Pulling on a robe, he was about to scold the man on the other side when the look on his face stopped him. The news that the Queen was bleeding and the babe in danger had him tossing aside the robe, dressing in his normal black chiton before he quickly returned to his post, this time from the corner of the room to be there, should anything be required from him. As he watched the excitement take place, he was reassured that this was not an act of an outside force. Perhaps the stress had caused it, or the activity. Whatever it had been, the Queen seemed to be alright for the moment.
Alastair’s blue eyes scanned the room, emotionless behind the mask of responsibility. He had heard the majority of the argument, had tried not to, in all honesty. And yet, there had been little he felt he could do to assist the situation. He was simply there to protect the Queen, not to pass judgment on the King.
As the room quieted down, and slowly emptied out, the dark haired guard stayed in his spot. But instead of moving outside the door, as he normally would, he was rooted in the corner, eyes carefully watching the Queen, who had yet to notice that he was still there. That didn’t surprise him, as it was his job to stay in the background and be seen, but not heard. It didn’t matter that his leg was throbbing, that his weight was shifted to the staff he always had with him. All that mattered was that she had gone through a hellish night, and she needed the stability of a familiar but silent face.
Night duty was usually something he left to one of his men. As it was mostly standing outside a bedroom and watching doors, Alastair used it as his chance to get the few precious hours of sleep before taking over. His leg was good for about 10-12 hours before he had to get off it and rest. And having heard been present outside the door for the majority of the fight, he figured that she would want to rest alone.
She must have forgotten his presence as he quietly walked behind her, allowing her to slam the door behind her and grieve in peace. At that point, secured within her rooms, she allowed Trist to take over, thinking it was the best time to sleep. He retreated to his private room in the guard house, forgoing a bath in favor of rest.
He had maybe been asleep for an hour before he was woke by a pounding on his door. Pulling on a robe, he was about to scold the man on the other side when the look on his face stopped him. The news that the Queen was bleeding and the babe in danger had him tossing aside the robe, dressing in his normal black chiton before he quickly returned to his post, this time from the corner of the room to be there, should anything be required from him. As he watched the excitement take place, he was reassured that this was not an act of an outside force. Perhaps the stress had caused it, or the activity. Whatever it had been, the Queen seemed to be alright for the moment.
Alastair’s blue eyes scanned the room, emotionless behind the mask of responsibility. He had heard the majority of the argument, had tried not to, in all honesty. And yet, there had been little he felt he could do to assist the situation. He was simply there to protect the Queen, not to pass judgment on the King.
As the room quieted down, and slowly emptied out, the dark haired guard stayed in his spot. But instead of moving outside the door, as he normally would, he was rooted in the corner, eyes carefully watching the Queen, who had yet to notice that he was still there. That didn’t surprise him, as it was his job to stay in the background and be seen, but not heard. It didn’t matter that his leg was throbbing, that his weight was shifted to the staff he always had with him. All that mattered was that she had gone through a hellish night, and she needed the stability of a familiar but silent face.
All of the bloodied sheets and mess had been cleared away, the bath had rinsed the sweat and tears from her for the most part and her hair had been braided back neatly once again before her maids left her tucked in the bed. At some point in the chaos she had dozed, or perhaps fallen unconscious she couldn't recall, and when she opened her eyes again she was alone in bed. She couldn't tell by the time if it had been minutes or hours, but the warm bodies that had been beside her were gone. Her husband had taken his leave at some point, along with his sister and it appeared even Desma. No doubt they were all exhausted and tired of dealing with her.
She had always been dramatic in a bid to get attention, stuck in the midst of beautiful sisters it felt as if she was always the last thought because she was neither the oldest or youngest. Though she was the one who looked most like their mother the focus was always on raising the younger girls or marrying off the older. It was why she had taken charge of her own life and slipped into the beds of kings in an attempt to control her fate, but now that control had slipped away from her in so many ways. She couldn't keep the love of her husband, couldn't stay calm enough for her baby, wasn't a good enough queen for the court gossips. And still her mother remained far away because it would not do for a queen to be seen needing her mother.
Brushing sleep and dried tears from her eyes, Pia pushed herself upright slowly and looked down at her stomach as if to confirm it hadn't all been a horrible dream. There was no movement from the little one within, but she had to believe now it was a good thing and perhaps if she couldn't sleep further he might be able to. Crossing her arms over her chest, the prickle of someone's eyes on her finally caught her attention and her gaze darted about with panic rising in her chest until she found him in the corner. No assassins lay in wait to finish her, only the guard who was a constant silent shadow by her side, and she let out an audible sigh of relief.
"Alastair..is all well? You don't usually stay like this."
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May 25, 2019 21:31:43 GMT
Posted In Not My Place on May 25, 2019 21:31:43 GMT
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All of the bloodied sheets and mess had been cleared away, the bath had rinsed the sweat and tears from her for the most part and her hair had been braided back neatly once again before her maids left her tucked in the bed. At some point in the chaos she had dozed, or perhaps fallen unconscious she couldn't recall, and when she opened her eyes again she was alone in bed. She couldn't tell by the time if it had been minutes or hours, but the warm bodies that had been beside her were gone. Her husband had taken his leave at some point, along with his sister and it appeared even Desma. No doubt they were all exhausted and tired of dealing with her.
She had always been dramatic in a bid to get attention, stuck in the midst of beautiful sisters it felt as if she was always the last thought because she was neither the oldest or youngest. Though she was the one who looked most like their mother the focus was always on raising the younger girls or marrying off the older. It was why she had taken charge of her own life and slipped into the beds of kings in an attempt to control her fate, but now that control had slipped away from her in so many ways. She couldn't keep the love of her husband, couldn't stay calm enough for her baby, wasn't a good enough queen for the court gossips. And still her mother remained far away because it would not do for a queen to be seen needing her mother.
Brushing sleep and dried tears from her eyes, Pia pushed herself upright slowly and looked down at her stomach as if to confirm it hadn't all been a horrible dream. There was no movement from the little one within, but she had to believe now it was a good thing and perhaps if she couldn't sleep further he might be able to. Crossing her arms over her chest, the prickle of someone's eyes on her finally caught her attention and her gaze darted about with panic rising in her chest until she found him in the corner. No assassins lay in wait to finish her, only the guard who was a constant silent shadow by her side, and she let out an audible sigh of relief.
"Alastair..is all well? You don't usually stay like this."
All of the bloodied sheets and mess had been cleared away, the bath had rinsed the sweat and tears from her for the most part and her hair had been braided back neatly once again before her maids left her tucked in the bed. At some point in the chaos she had dozed, or perhaps fallen unconscious she couldn't recall, and when she opened her eyes again she was alone in bed. She couldn't tell by the time if it had been minutes or hours, but the warm bodies that had been beside her were gone. Her husband had taken his leave at some point, along with his sister and it appeared even Desma. No doubt they were all exhausted and tired of dealing with her.
She had always been dramatic in a bid to get attention, stuck in the midst of beautiful sisters it felt as if she was always the last thought because she was neither the oldest or youngest. Though she was the one who looked most like their mother the focus was always on raising the younger girls or marrying off the older. It was why she had taken charge of her own life and slipped into the beds of kings in an attempt to control her fate, but now that control had slipped away from her in so many ways. She couldn't keep the love of her husband, couldn't stay calm enough for her baby, wasn't a good enough queen for the court gossips. And still her mother remained far away because it would not do for a queen to be seen needing her mother.
Brushing sleep and dried tears from her eyes, Pia pushed herself upright slowly and looked down at her stomach as if to confirm it hadn't all been a horrible dream. There was no movement from the little one within, but she had to believe now it was a good thing and perhaps if she couldn't sleep further he might be able to. Crossing her arms over her chest, the prickle of someone's eyes on her finally caught her attention and her gaze darted about with panic rising in her chest until she found him in the corner. No assassins lay in wait to finish her, only the guard who was a constant silent shadow by her side, and she let out an audible sigh of relief.
"Alastair..is all well? You don't usually stay like this."
His eyes had taken in everything from the night. There was little that had gone unnoticed by the guard. Not the saturation of blood on the sheets, nor the panicked look on her face as she realized what was happening. Not the sadness in her eyes as she tried to lean on a husband who was only interested in the status of his heir. Not the sorrow in waking up to find herself alone in a bed that had once brought joy. And certainly not the realization that she lacked support within the palati.
Alastair knew that if he called for Selene, she would have come within a moment’s notice. The eldest girl was loyal to both her kingdom and her sister, a trait that he could appreciate in a woman. Her own interested would be cast aside to care for her sister, as was her duty as the eldest. But he had a feeling that the Queen wasn’t quite ready to see her family yet. Funny how pride often got in the way of personal needs.
As soon as his charge noticed him, still hidden in the corners of the room, he stepped cautiously into the warm glow of the tended fire. ”You mean, besides the fact that this all could have been far worse than just a scare?” In the short amount of time they had known each other, his blunt and to the point method of communication hadn’t been sugar coated. He was who he was, and whether or not she was a queen or a commoner, his job was to protect her. It wasn’t to be kind to her, or to think of her feelings. Keeping her safe was his job. And yet, there was a fragileness to her that he was drawn to. So each word was quietly veiled with a shadow of concern.
There was an unusual heaviness in his footfall, the exhaustion in his injured leg obvious to those who knew of it. But he approached her bedside, leaning against the frame. ”I thought about leaving. But everyone else already had.” He said it as if he hadn’t had a choice. But in reality, this had been the first time he’d positioned himself in her room like this. At night, there would have been a guard outside the door, which would have been enough. But the silent room had been deafening for him, so he could only imagine what it had felt like for her. ”Would you like me to send for your sister?”
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May 25, 2019 21:32:04 GMT
Posted In Not My Place on May 25, 2019 21:32:04 GMT
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His eyes had taken in everything from the night. There was little that had gone unnoticed by the guard. Not the saturation of blood on the sheets, nor the panicked look on her face as she realized what was happening. Not the sadness in her eyes as she tried to lean on a husband who was only interested in the status of his heir. Not the sorrow in waking up to find herself alone in a bed that had once brought joy. And certainly not the realization that she lacked support within the palati.
Alastair knew that if he called for Selene, she would have come within a moment’s notice. The eldest girl was loyal to both her kingdom and her sister, a trait that he could appreciate in a woman. Her own interested would be cast aside to care for her sister, as was her duty as the eldest. But he had a feeling that the Queen wasn’t quite ready to see her family yet. Funny how pride often got in the way of personal needs.
As soon as his charge noticed him, still hidden in the corners of the room, he stepped cautiously into the warm glow of the tended fire. ”You mean, besides the fact that this all could have been far worse than just a scare?” In the short amount of time they had known each other, his blunt and to the point method of communication hadn’t been sugar coated. He was who he was, and whether or not she was a queen or a commoner, his job was to protect her. It wasn’t to be kind to her, or to think of her feelings. Keeping her safe was his job. And yet, there was a fragileness to her that he was drawn to. So each word was quietly veiled with a shadow of concern.
There was an unusual heaviness in his footfall, the exhaustion in his injured leg obvious to those who knew of it. But he approached her bedside, leaning against the frame. ”I thought about leaving. But everyone else already had.” He said it as if he hadn’t had a choice. But in reality, this had been the first time he’d positioned himself in her room like this. At night, there would have been a guard outside the door, which would have been enough. But the silent room had been deafening for him, so he could only imagine what it had felt like for her. ”Would you like me to send for your sister?”
His eyes had taken in everything from the night. There was little that had gone unnoticed by the guard. Not the saturation of blood on the sheets, nor the panicked look on her face as she realized what was happening. Not the sadness in her eyes as she tried to lean on a husband who was only interested in the status of his heir. Not the sorrow in waking up to find herself alone in a bed that had once brought joy. And certainly not the realization that she lacked support within the palati.
Alastair knew that if he called for Selene, she would have come within a moment’s notice. The eldest girl was loyal to both her kingdom and her sister, a trait that he could appreciate in a woman. Her own interested would be cast aside to care for her sister, as was her duty as the eldest. But he had a feeling that the Queen wasn’t quite ready to see her family yet. Funny how pride often got in the way of personal needs.
As soon as his charge noticed him, still hidden in the corners of the room, he stepped cautiously into the warm glow of the tended fire. ”You mean, besides the fact that this all could have been far worse than just a scare?” In the short amount of time they had known each other, his blunt and to the point method of communication hadn’t been sugar coated. He was who he was, and whether or not she was a queen or a commoner, his job was to protect her. It wasn’t to be kind to her, or to think of her feelings. Keeping her safe was his job. And yet, there was a fragileness to her that he was drawn to. So each word was quietly veiled with a shadow of concern.
There was an unusual heaviness in his footfall, the exhaustion in his injured leg obvious to those who knew of it. But he approached her bedside, leaning against the frame. ”I thought about leaving. But everyone else already had.” He said it as if he hadn’t had a choice. But in reality, this had been the first time he’d positioned himself in her room like this. At night, there would have been a guard outside the door, which would have been enough. But the silent room had been deafening for him, so he could only imagine what it had felt like for her. ”Would you like me to send for your sister?”
As her bodyguard stepped into the light of the fire she could see the disgruntled expression on his face. Instantly defensive she crossed her arms over her chest and tipped her chin up defiantly. She didn’t know where her husband or sister or maids were. Everyone had left for their own reasons she was sure, and it wasn’t as if Stephanos had been in the best of opinions of her after all. Their fight had not gone missed by many.
”I’m fine by myself, thank you. Everything is fine.”
No matter how many times she echoed the words it was still hard to wrap her head around it, to believe it was actually true. In truth she was a scared girl carrying the child of a man she was afraid didn’t actually love her anymore if he ever had. She wanted to go home to the embrace of her family, her mother and father and sisters seemed so far away. Desma had been good for comforting her, and her midwives, but this was something she needed her family for.
Her lip trembled as she tried to hold back tears, the fear and pain from before had scared her more than she wanted to admit. It was comforting as he moved closer though she tried not to show it, it wouldn’t do for him to see any additional weakness when she was supposed to be the queen. His offer to send for her sister had her shaking her head, one stray tear falling down her cheek which she wiped away quickly, biting down on her lower lip to stop the quiver.
”No, she ought to get some rest.”
Glancing around the room and touching the empty space in the bed beside her, she didn’t want to be alone, but hated to ask Selene to come all the way to her so late at night. Pia had been hoping Stephanos would stay, but clearly he’d had other places to be, other arms to be held by. She didn’t mean to speak aloud at first, but then it was out and she wasn’t a queen anymore, she was just Pia, alone and afraid and her voice was far smaller and more desperate than it had been in a long while.
”Why? Why do men need to take mistresses? What about me isn’t enough..”
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May 25, 2019 21:32:24 GMT
Posted In Not My Place on May 25, 2019 21:32:24 GMT
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As her bodyguard stepped into the light of the fire she could see the disgruntled expression on his face. Instantly defensive she crossed her arms over her chest and tipped her chin up defiantly. She didn’t know where her husband or sister or maids were. Everyone had left for their own reasons she was sure, and it wasn’t as if Stephanos had been in the best of opinions of her after all. Their fight had not gone missed by many.
”I’m fine by myself, thank you. Everything is fine.”
No matter how many times she echoed the words it was still hard to wrap her head around it, to believe it was actually true. In truth she was a scared girl carrying the child of a man she was afraid didn’t actually love her anymore if he ever had. She wanted to go home to the embrace of her family, her mother and father and sisters seemed so far away. Desma had been good for comforting her, and her midwives, but this was something she needed her family for.
Her lip trembled as she tried to hold back tears, the fear and pain from before had scared her more than she wanted to admit. It was comforting as he moved closer though she tried not to show it, it wouldn’t do for him to see any additional weakness when she was supposed to be the queen. His offer to send for her sister had her shaking her head, one stray tear falling down her cheek which she wiped away quickly, biting down on her lower lip to stop the quiver.
”No, she ought to get some rest.”
Glancing around the room and touching the empty space in the bed beside her, she didn’t want to be alone, but hated to ask Selene to come all the way to her so late at night. Pia had been hoping Stephanos would stay, but clearly he’d had other places to be, other arms to be held by. She didn’t mean to speak aloud at first, but then it was out and she wasn’t a queen anymore, she was just Pia, alone and afraid and her voice was far smaller and more desperate than it had been in a long while.
”Why? Why do men need to take mistresses? What about me isn’t enough..”
As her bodyguard stepped into the light of the fire she could see the disgruntled expression on his face. Instantly defensive she crossed her arms over her chest and tipped her chin up defiantly. She didn’t know where her husband or sister or maids were. Everyone had left for their own reasons she was sure, and it wasn’t as if Stephanos had been in the best of opinions of her after all. Their fight had not gone missed by many.
”I’m fine by myself, thank you. Everything is fine.”
No matter how many times she echoed the words it was still hard to wrap her head around it, to believe it was actually true. In truth she was a scared girl carrying the child of a man she was afraid didn’t actually love her anymore if he ever had. She wanted to go home to the embrace of her family, her mother and father and sisters seemed so far away. Desma had been good for comforting her, and her midwives, but this was something she needed her family for.
Her lip trembled as she tried to hold back tears, the fear and pain from before had scared her more than she wanted to admit. It was comforting as he moved closer though she tried not to show it, it wouldn’t do for him to see any additional weakness when she was supposed to be the queen. His offer to send for her sister had her shaking her head, one stray tear falling down her cheek which she wiped away quickly, biting down on her lower lip to stop the quiver.
”No, she ought to get some rest.”
Glancing around the room and touching the empty space in the bed beside her, she didn’t want to be alone, but hated to ask Selene to come all the way to her so late at night. Pia had been hoping Stephanos would stay, but clearly he’d had other places to be, other arms to be held by. She didn’t mean to speak aloud at first, but then it was out and she wasn’t a queen anymore, she was just Pia, alone and afraid and her voice was far smaller and more desperate than it had been in a long while.
”Why? Why do men need to take mistresses? What about me isn’t enough..”
Alastair didn’t buy her sudden calm for a moment. He’d been just outside the room as everything happened. Heard the panic. Watched the commotion around them. She may have been the queen, but she was also a woman who had, for just a moment, thought she had lost her baby. There wasn’t really being ‘fine’ with that. He wished he had thought to send for Selene sooner, who would have been more than happy to sit with her sister after an event like that. But it appeared that the Queen didn’t wish to be a bother.
”Are you saying that for my comfort, or for yours?” He was a fairly blunt man, one who didn’t have the training like most of those he protected. His job wasn’t to appease them, or to say what they wanted to hear. His job was to keep them safe. Even if it meant offending them with his direct line of questions.
Once a soldier, always a soldier.
He watched as she struggled to maintain her composure, feeling a tug at his heart as she tried her best to keep it together. It was obvious she wanted someone there— anyone but him, Alastair was sure. But she wouldn’t ask it. He wanted to tell her that even queens could want their sisters at a time like this, but instead, he was pressed with her first question.
He thought about ignoring it. About pretending he hadn’t heard her and stepping back into the shadows as the silent protector he was hired to be. But the look on her face, the glistening of tears in her eyes, brought pause. He sighed softly, shifting his weight to the staff in his hand to alleviate the ache. ”Affairs aren’t usually about the spouse.” He said, his voice quiet as he stayed in his place, keeping his distance for the time being. ”I would assume that it’s more about the men who think that there are different options. Who find pleasure in being desired by many women. It’s is a weakness in their character, Your Highness, not in yours.”
Did he think highly of the king? Not when he was obviously absent in his wife’s time of need. But again, it wasn’t his place to judge. It wasn’t his marriage.
”A man who does not think you are enough is a man who does not know what he has.”
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May 25, 2019 21:32:42 GMT
Posted In Not My Place on May 25, 2019 21:32:42 GMT
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Alastair didn’t buy her sudden calm for a moment. He’d been just outside the room as everything happened. Heard the panic. Watched the commotion around them. She may have been the queen, but she was also a woman who had, for just a moment, thought she had lost her baby. There wasn’t really being ‘fine’ with that. He wished he had thought to send for Selene sooner, who would have been more than happy to sit with her sister after an event like that. But it appeared that the Queen didn’t wish to be a bother.
”Are you saying that for my comfort, or for yours?” He was a fairly blunt man, one who didn’t have the training like most of those he protected. His job wasn’t to appease them, or to say what they wanted to hear. His job was to keep them safe. Even if it meant offending them with his direct line of questions.
Once a soldier, always a soldier.
He watched as she struggled to maintain her composure, feeling a tug at his heart as she tried her best to keep it together. It was obvious she wanted someone there— anyone but him, Alastair was sure. But she wouldn’t ask it. He wanted to tell her that even queens could want their sisters at a time like this, but instead, he was pressed with her first question.
He thought about ignoring it. About pretending he hadn’t heard her and stepping back into the shadows as the silent protector he was hired to be. But the look on her face, the glistening of tears in her eyes, brought pause. He sighed softly, shifting his weight to the staff in his hand to alleviate the ache. ”Affairs aren’t usually about the spouse.” He said, his voice quiet as he stayed in his place, keeping his distance for the time being. ”I would assume that it’s more about the men who think that there are different options. Who find pleasure in being desired by many women. It’s is a weakness in their character, Your Highness, not in yours.”
Did he think highly of the king? Not when he was obviously absent in his wife’s time of need. But again, it wasn’t his place to judge. It wasn’t his marriage.
”A man who does not think you are enough is a man who does not know what he has.”
Alastair didn’t buy her sudden calm for a moment. He’d been just outside the room as everything happened. Heard the panic. Watched the commotion around them. She may have been the queen, but she was also a woman who had, for just a moment, thought she had lost her baby. There wasn’t really being ‘fine’ with that. He wished he had thought to send for Selene sooner, who would have been more than happy to sit with her sister after an event like that. But it appeared that the Queen didn’t wish to be a bother.
”Are you saying that for my comfort, or for yours?” He was a fairly blunt man, one who didn’t have the training like most of those he protected. His job wasn’t to appease them, or to say what they wanted to hear. His job was to keep them safe. Even if it meant offending them with his direct line of questions.
Once a soldier, always a soldier.
He watched as she struggled to maintain her composure, feeling a tug at his heart as she tried her best to keep it together. It was obvious she wanted someone there— anyone but him, Alastair was sure. But she wouldn’t ask it. He wanted to tell her that even queens could want their sisters at a time like this, but instead, he was pressed with her first question.
He thought about ignoring it. About pretending he hadn’t heard her and stepping back into the shadows as the silent protector he was hired to be. But the look on her face, the glistening of tears in her eyes, brought pause. He sighed softly, shifting his weight to the staff in his hand to alleviate the ache. ”Affairs aren’t usually about the spouse.” He said, his voice quiet as he stayed in his place, keeping his distance for the time being. ”I would assume that it’s more about the men who think that there are different options. Who find pleasure in being desired by many women. It’s is a weakness in their character, Your Highness, not in yours.”
Did he think highly of the king? Not when he was obviously absent in his wife’s time of need. But again, it wasn’t his place to judge. It wasn’t his marriage.
”A man who does not think you are enough is a man who does not know what he has.”
Alastair's first response took her aback slightly and she paused for a moment, considering. She'd initially thought it had been for his benefit, to prove that she was alright and didn't need him to be in anymore pain hovering over her as if she would break again. That she would be fine if she was left alone. It wasn't true, but the tears would happen anyway, whether alone or with him she couldn't hide the pain and worry forever, and when he asked her to clarify Pia knew what she had actually meant.
"Mine."
Her voice was a cracked whisper, and she drew herself into as small a ball as she could, still braced up against the headboard and clutching at herself. Arms wrapped about her stomach and knees, as if by holding on tightly she could convince the baby inside to live and stay within for a few more months. Once he was born it would be a different struggle to keep him healthy and alive, ready to take the throne after his father. It would all be worth it, that was what she kept whispering to herself in nights like this when she knew full well Stephanos was not alone wherever he was. She'd seen the looks on the faces of people at court, heard their whispers. Even her uncle had scolded her for not keeping a better grip on her husband's attentions.
Pia watched her bodyguard as he spoke, silently gesturing for him to approach and sit on the bed to relieve at least some of the pain in his leg. It had been explained to her but before she'd never been considerate. Perhaps this event had changed her, would help her be better, less selfish. Perhaps it was just the first step in becoming desensitized to the unfaithfulness of the man she'd married, who she loved in spite of this. One day she might be able to carry herself with the grace of a woman who rose above it all, but she was young, and foolish.
"He could have had anyone. He didn't have to marry me. I almost..." Trailing off at the thought, she swallowed what she had been about to say. Because it wasn't true, to say that she wished he had just married her off to another noble to bear her child there and live a quieter life, away from the dangers of court and all that it brought her to be queen. It had been Stephanos that she wanted, and now she had him even in this pain and misery and fear, she didn't want to let him go. Couldn't fathom such a thing.
"A man who doesn't think I'm enough has clearly just seen my sisters and wondered why the goddess didn't bless me as well. Theodora and Selene are the real Leventi prizes."
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May 25, 2019 21:33:05 GMT
Posted In Not My Place on May 25, 2019 21:33:05 GMT
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Alastair's first response took her aback slightly and she paused for a moment, considering. She'd initially thought it had been for his benefit, to prove that she was alright and didn't need him to be in anymore pain hovering over her as if she would break again. That she would be fine if she was left alone. It wasn't true, but the tears would happen anyway, whether alone or with him she couldn't hide the pain and worry forever, and when he asked her to clarify Pia knew what she had actually meant.
"Mine."
Her voice was a cracked whisper, and she drew herself into as small a ball as she could, still braced up against the headboard and clutching at herself. Arms wrapped about her stomach and knees, as if by holding on tightly she could convince the baby inside to live and stay within for a few more months. Once he was born it would be a different struggle to keep him healthy and alive, ready to take the throne after his father. It would all be worth it, that was what she kept whispering to herself in nights like this when she knew full well Stephanos was not alone wherever he was. She'd seen the looks on the faces of people at court, heard their whispers. Even her uncle had scolded her for not keeping a better grip on her husband's attentions.
Pia watched her bodyguard as he spoke, silently gesturing for him to approach and sit on the bed to relieve at least some of the pain in his leg. It had been explained to her but before she'd never been considerate. Perhaps this event had changed her, would help her be better, less selfish. Perhaps it was just the first step in becoming desensitized to the unfaithfulness of the man she'd married, who she loved in spite of this. One day she might be able to carry herself with the grace of a woman who rose above it all, but she was young, and foolish.
"He could have had anyone. He didn't have to marry me. I almost..." Trailing off at the thought, she swallowed what she had been about to say. Because it wasn't true, to say that she wished he had just married her off to another noble to bear her child there and live a quieter life, away from the dangers of court and all that it brought her to be queen. It had been Stephanos that she wanted, and now she had him even in this pain and misery and fear, she didn't want to let him go. Couldn't fathom such a thing.
"A man who doesn't think I'm enough has clearly just seen my sisters and wondered why the goddess didn't bless me as well. Theodora and Selene are the real Leventi prizes."
Alastair's first response took her aback slightly and she paused for a moment, considering. She'd initially thought it had been for his benefit, to prove that she was alright and didn't need him to be in anymore pain hovering over her as if she would break again. That she would be fine if she was left alone. It wasn't true, but the tears would happen anyway, whether alone or with him she couldn't hide the pain and worry forever, and when he asked her to clarify Pia knew what she had actually meant.
"Mine."
Her voice was a cracked whisper, and she drew herself into as small a ball as she could, still braced up against the headboard and clutching at herself. Arms wrapped about her stomach and knees, as if by holding on tightly she could convince the baby inside to live and stay within for a few more months. Once he was born it would be a different struggle to keep him healthy and alive, ready to take the throne after his father. It would all be worth it, that was what she kept whispering to herself in nights like this when she knew full well Stephanos was not alone wherever he was. She'd seen the looks on the faces of people at court, heard their whispers. Even her uncle had scolded her for not keeping a better grip on her husband's attentions.
Pia watched her bodyguard as he spoke, silently gesturing for him to approach and sit on the bed to relieve at least some of the pain in his leg. It had been explained to her but before she'd never been considerate. Perhaps this event had changed her, would help her be better, less selfish. Perhaps it was just the first step in becoming desensitized to the unfaithfulness of the man she'd married, who she loved in spite of this. One day she might be able to carry herself with the grace of a woman who rose above it all, but she was young, and foolish.
"He could have had anyone. He didn't have to marry me. I almost..." Trailing off at the thought, she swallowed what she had been about to say. Because it wasn't true, to say that she wished he had just married her off to another noble to bear her child there and live a quieter life, away from the dangers of court and all that it brought her to be queen. It had been Stephanos that she wanted, and now she had him even in this pain and misery and fear, she didn't want to let him go. Couldn't fathom such a thing.
"A man who doesn't think I'm enough has clearly just seen my sisters and wondered why the goddess didn't bless me as well. Theodora and Selene are the real Leventi prizes."
His question had not required an answer, only really brought up to give her a chance to think about what she was saying and come to terms with the reality of her situation. He did not, for one moment, believe that she was perfectly content alone. But she had needed to say it, and hear it herself, to know exactly what was going on. He was sure that Selene would have come to her sister, regardless the hour, but it was not his place to overstep the Queen and go against her wishes.
But he was sure that he would wish that he had by the time the night was over.
It was hard not to soften his stance as she curled into herself, obviously trying to find what little protection she could find within them. He wished that there was more than he could do or say, that there was a way for him to offer comfort while keeping the boundaries of his job. Even pregnant, she looked so small in the bed alone, a bed she should have been sharing with the King. But, as she had pointed out, he had notably absent. And her mind assumed he was with his mistress. It wasn’t like Alastair could confirm or deny that, since he’d been by her side since the King’s departure.
She was trying to come to terms with the commitment that had been made, with the hand she had been dealt. He could have married someone else, or none at all, but he had married her and made her Queen. ”You can believe that it was a political move on his part, if you think that will make accepting his character easier for you to handle. He looks at you with affection, so he cares. In his own way.” He did not take her offered seat, not wanting to bridge the gap between their roles. Instead, he moved closer to the bed, leaning slightly against the mattress to relieve a bit of weight from his leg.
He rolled his eyes at his comment. ”They are beautiful, yes. But beauty fades. And he does not bring either of them to his bed. You have spent your life comparing yourself to your sisters, so you do not see your own worth.” His chin came to rest on his staff, ”Perhaps the goddess did not bless you because you did not need it. You are beautiful, politically minded, highly intelligent and kind. You do not need her assistance to make yourself desirable. Quit acting as if you are worth half because you do not have Aphrodite’s blessing. They will not always be beautiful, but you will always be you.” If anyone else heard their conversation, they might have thought it inappropriate.
But Alastair could have cared less.
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May 25, 2019 21:33:22 GMT
Posted In Not My Place on May 25, 2019 21:33:22 GMT
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His question had not required an answer, only really brought up to give her a chance to think about what she was saying and come to terms with the reality of her situation. He did not, for one moment, believe that she was perfectly content alone. But she had needed to say it, and hear it herself, to know exactly what was going on. He was sure that Selene would have come to her sister, regardless the hour, but it was not his place to overstep the Queen and go against her wishes.
But he was sure that he would wish that he had by the time the night was over.
It was hard not to soften his stance as she curled into herself, obviously trying to find what little protection she could find within them. He wished that there was more than he could do or say, that there was a way for him to offer comfort while keeping the boundaries of his job. Even pregnant, she looked so small in the bed alone, a bed she should have been sharing with the King. But, as she had pointed out, he had notably absent. And her mind assumed he was with his mistress. It wasn’t like Alastair could confirm or deny that, since he’d been by her side since the King’s departure.
She was trying to come to terms with the commitment that had been made, with the hand she had been dealt. He could have married someone else, or none at all, but he had married her and made her Queen. ”You can believe that it was a political move on his part, if you think that will make accepting his character easier for you to handle. He looks at you with affection, so he cares. In his own way.” He did not take her offered seat, not wanting to bridge the gap between their roles. Instead, he moved closer to the bed, leaning slightly against the mattress to relieve a bit of weight from his leg.
He rolled his eyes at his comment. ”They are beautiful, yes. But beauty fades. And he does not bring either of them to his bed. You have spent your life comparing yourself to your sisters, so you do not see your own worth.” His chin came to rest on his staff, ”Perhaps the goddess did not bless you because you did not need it. You are beautiful, politically minded, highly intelligent and kind. You do not need her assistance to make yourself desirable. Quit acting as if you are worth half because you do not have Aphrodite’s blessing. They will not always be beautiful, but you will always be you.” If anyone else heard their conversation, they might have thought it inappropriate.
But Alastair could have cared less.
His question had not required an answer, only really brought up to give her a chance to think about what she was saying and come to terms with the reality of her situation. He did not, for one moment, believe that she was perfectly content alone. But she had needed to say it, and hear it herself, to know exactly what was going on. He was sure that Selene would have come to her sister, regardless the hour, but it was not his place to overstep the Queen and go against her wishes.
But he was sure that he would wish that he had by the time the night was over.
It was hard not to soften his stance as she curled into herself, obviously trying to find what little protection she could find within them. He wished that there was more than he could do or say, that there was a way for him to offer comfort while keeping the boundaries of his job. Even pregnant, she looked so small in the bed alone, a bed she should have been sharing with the King. But, as she had pointed out, he had notably absent. And her mind assumed he was with his mistress. It wasn’t like Alastair could confirm or deny that, since he’d been by her side since the King’s departure.
She was trying to come to terms with the commitment that had been made, with the hand she had been dealt. He could have married someone else, or none at all, but he had married her and made her Queen. ”You can believe that it was a political move on his part, if you think that will make accepting his character easier for you to handle. He looks at you with affection, so he cares. In his own way.” He did not take her offered seat, not wanting to bridge the gap between their roles. Instead, he moved closer to the bed, leaning slightly against the mattress to relieve a bit of weight from his leg.
He rolled his eyes at his comment. ”They are beautiful, yes. But beauty fades. And he does not bring either of them to his bed. You have spent your life comparing yourself to your sisters, so you do not see your own worth.” His chin came to rest on his staff, ”Perhaps the goddess did not bless you because you did not need it. You are beautiful, politically minded, highly intelligent and kind. You do not need her assistance to make yourself desirable. Quit acting as if you are worth half because you do not have Aphrodite’s blessing. They will not always be beautiful, but you will always be you.” If anyone else heard their conversation, they might have thought it inappropriate.
But Alastair could have cared less.
No one had spoken to her so bluntly in recent memory. Alastair's open honesty was as refreshing as it was painful, to see and hear everything said back to her that she had been thinking, feeling. He didn't hide anything from her, and though it was what she needed to hear, Olympia felt her tears returning anew. He was right too, she had spent her twenty five years of life comparing everything she was and did to her sisters. She wasn't as fair or gentle as Selene, as blonde or sweet as Imma, she had none of Nana's charisma or her quick smile, and Theodora was everything it seemed she was supposed to be but had somehow failed to become. Her hair was too dark, her skin too pale, her eyes too strange, neither brown nor blue but somewhere in between. She had never fit in the spectrum of her sisters.
She heard yet somehow missed the meaning in his next words for a moment as she took a few deep breaths, turning hazel eyes back to him and letting his compliments sink in instead of just the order that came with it. He thought her beautiful? It was odd, to see someone in a different light, in a different manner. If they hadn't been alone he would never have said such things, and she wouldn't have listened. He was speaking a raw truth and she could see and process it all. He was beautiful himself, though she had tried very hard not to notice. It was something about the combination of his eyes, so sharply blue met with his jet black hair, it was something uniquely him that she hadn't marked on anyone else in Taengea.
"You are kind to me. Would you be this kind if I was just a maid on the street and not the queen who employs you?"
Olympia didn't know why she asked, why it would matter if he would say the same thing to a common girl or merchant's daughter instead of the woman in the royal bed. Perhaps she was seeking for the depth of the truth in his eyes, the line that could not be crossed over, the bond they had slowly formed. She wondered if he would want her if she was of that rank, if he would still see what he saw now or if it was just the trappings of nobility that lifted her in his esteem.
"Will you stay in here tonight? I don't wish to be alone."
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Jul 6, 2019 21:29:32 GMT
Posted In Not My Place on Jul 6, 2019 21:29:32 GMT
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No one had spoken to her so bluntly in recent memory. Alastair's open honesty was as refreshing as it was painful, to see and hear everything said back to her that she had been thinking, feeling. He didn't hide anything from her, and though it was what she needed to hear, Olympia felt her tears returning anew. He was right too, she had spent her twenty five years of life comparing everything she was and did to her sisters. She wasn't as fair or gentle as Selene, as blonde or sweet as Imma, she had none of Nana's charisma or her quick smile, and Theodora was everything it seemed she was supposed to be but had somehow failed to become. Her hair was too dark, her skin too pale, her eyes too strange, neither brown nor blue but somewhere in between. She had never fit in the spectrum of her sisters.
She heard yet somehow missed the meaning in his next words for a moment as she took a few deep breaths, turning hazel eyes back to him and letting his compliments sink in instead of just the order that came with it. He thought her beautiful? It was odd, to see someone in a different light, in a different manner. If they hadn't been alone he would never have said such things, and she wouldn't have listened. He was speaking a raw truth and she could see and process it all. He was beautiful himself, though she had tried very hard not to notice. It was something about the combination of his eyes, so sharply blue met with his jet black hair, it was something uniquely him that she hadn't marked on anyone else in Taengea.
"You are kind to me. Would you be this kind if I was just a maid on the street and not the queen who employs you?"
Olympia didn't know why she asked, why it would matter if he would say the same thing to a common girl or merchant's daughter instead of the woman in the royal bed. Perhaps she was seeking for the depth of the truth in his eyes, the line that could not be crossed over, the bond they had slowly formed. She wondered if he would want her if she was of that rank, if he would still see what he saw now or if it was just the trappings of nobility that lifted her in his esteem.
"Will you stay in here tonight? I don't wish to be alone."
No one had spoken to her so bluntly in recent memory. Alastair's open honesty was as refreshing as it was painful, to see and hear everything said back to her that she had been thinking, feeling. He didn't hide anything from her, and though it was what she needed to hear, Olympia felt her tears returning anew. He was right too, she had spent her twenty five years of life comparing everything she was and did to her sisters. She wasn't as fair or gentle as Selene, as blonde or sweet as Imma, she had none of Nana's charisma or her quick smile, and Theodora was everything it seemed she was supposed to be but had somehow failed to become. Her hair was too dark, her skin too pale, her eyes too strange, neither brown nor blue but somewhere in between. She had never fit in the spectrum of her sisters.
She heard yet somehow missed the meaning in his next words for a moment as she took a few deep breaths, turning hazel eyes back to him and letting his compliments sink in instead of just the order that came with it. He thought her beautiful? It was odd, to see someone in a different light, in a different manner. If they hadn't been alone he would never have said such things, and she wouldn't have listened. He was speaking a raw truth and she could see and process it all. He was beautiful himself, though she had tried very hard not to notice. It was something about the combination of his eyes, so sharply blue met with his jet black hair, it was something uniquely him that she hadn't marked on anyone else in Taengea.
"You are kind to me. Would you be this kind if I was just a maid on the street and not the queen who employs you?"
Olympia didn't know why she asked, why it would matter if he would say the same thing to a common girl or merchant's daughter instead of the woman in the royal bed. Perhaps she was seeking for the depth of the truth in his eyes, the line that could not be crossed over, the bond they had slowly formed. She wondered if he would want her if she was of that rank, if he would still see what he saw now or if it was just the trappings of nobility that lifted her in his esteem.
"Will you stay in here tonight? I don't wish to be alone."
It was easy for him to speak truthfully-- there was no real reason to lie to her now. He may have been just as blunt if they weren’t alone, but it was certainly easier to tell her how it was without anyone else to think twice about the informality in his tone. He wasn’t raised to protect royalty, didn’t know the rules and politeness that went into the courtier life. His life had been rough and he was a military man. Even with his training to respect authority, he’d been on his own long enough to have made his own rules.
And his rules included the truth.
Her question seemed a bit odd to him, but she was a woman of power. Perhaps it was easier to assume that everyone had ulterior motives instead of just expecting earnestness from those she came in contact with. He, however, wasn’t someone to lie just because they were in power. He’d hold his tongue instead. ”If I knew you as a maid as well as I know you as Queen, then yes. Since I know of your sisters and your circumstances as Queen, I will tell you what I know. If I knew you plainly, I would tell you the same. Your rank and title mean little to me. I am here to protect you, not the crown you wear.”
For him, it was an important distinction. She was not her crown. And, if at any moment she was no longer Queen, his responsibility was to her. That would not change, regardless of what position she held.
”As you wish.” He was a man of facts and a few words. If she wished for him to stay in her room, then he would take to the shadows as he had before and stay. As he was set to do the same in the morning, he wouldn’t sleep until tomorrow night. But it was a small price to pay for her comfort.
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Jul 6, 2019 21:29:57 GMT
Posted In Not My Place on Jul 6, 2019 21:29:57 GMT
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It was easy for him to speak truthfully-- there was no real reason to lie to her now. He may have been just as blunt if they weren’t alone, but it was certainly easier to tell her how it was without anyone else to think twice about the informality in his tone. He wasn’t raised to protect royalty, didn’t know the rules and politeness that went into the courtier life. His life had been rough and he was a military man. Even with his training to respect authority, he’d been on his own long enough to have made his own rules.
And his rules included the truth.
Her question seemed a bit odd to him, but she was a woman of power. Perhaps it was easier to assume that everyone had ulterior motives instead of just expecting earnestness from those she came in contact with. He, however, wasn’t someone to lie just because they were in power. He’d hold his tongue instead. ”If I knew you as a maid as well as I know you as Queen, then yes. Since I know of your sisters and your circumstances as Queen, I will tell you what I know. If I knew you plainly, I would tell you the same. Your rank and title mean little to me. I am here to protect you, not the crown you wear.”
For him, it was an important distinction. She was not her crown. And, if at any moment she was no longer Queen, his responsibility was to her. That would not change, regardless of what position she held.
”As you wish.” He was a man of facts and a few words. If she wished for him to stay in her room, then he would take to the shadows as he had before and stay. As he was set to do the same in the morning, he wouldn’t sleep until tomorrow night. But it was a small price to pay for her comfort.
It was easy for him to speak truthfully-- there was no real reason to lie to her now. He may have been just as blunt if they weren’t alone, but it was certainly easier to tell her how it was without anyone else to think twice about the informality in his tone. He wasn’t raised to protect royalty, didn’t know the rules and politeness that went into the courtier life. His life had been rough and he was a military man. Even with his training to respect authority, he’d been on his own long enough to have made his own rules.
And his rules included the truth.
Her question seemed a bit odd to him, but she was a woman of power. Perhaps it was easier to assume that everyone had ulterior motives instead of just expecting earnestness from those she came in contact with. He, however, wasn’t someone to lie just because they were in power. He’d hold his tongue instead. ”If I knew you as a maid as well as I know you as Queen, then yes. Since I know of your sisters and your circumstances as Queen, I will tell you what I know. If I knew you plainly, I would tell you the same. Your rank and title mean little to me. I am here to protect you, not the crown you wear.”
For him, it was an important distinction. She was not her crown. And, if at any moment she was no longer Queen, his responsibility was to her. That would not change, regardless of what position she held.
”As you wish.” He was a man of facts and a few words. If she wished for him to stay in her room, then he would take to the shadows as he had before and stay. As he was set to do the same in the morning, he wouldn’t sleep until tomorrow night. But it was a small price to pay for her comfort.
There was something in the confidence with which Alastair spoke that made her believe what he said. Though perhaps if she was a maid there would have been less reason to ensure her protection, knowing that at least someone cared for Olympia, not just the queen, was comforting. There were no words she could speak in response, sinking back into her pillows instead and watching as her dark shadow faded back into his post. With her hand still protectively resting over her stomach, she kept her gaze on him.
“Alastair…” her whisper felt too loud still in the dark quiet of the room. “Thank you.”
Just being able to hear the soft breaths of another in the room, the slight shifts of his motions as he kept watch helped more than he could ever know. Sleep came easily now that she knew he was there, and would always be there as a constant guardian watching over her.
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Nov 25, 2019 16:38:30 GMT
Posted In Not My Place on Nov 25, 2019 16:38:30 GMT
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There was something in the confidence with which Alastair spoke that made her believe what he said. Though perhaps if she was a maid there would have been less reason to ensure her protection, knowing that at least someone cared for Olympia, not just the queen, was comforting. There were no words she could speak in response, sinking back into her pillows instead and watching as her dark shadow faded back into his post. With her hand still protectively resting over her stomach, she kept her gaze on him.
“Alastair…” her whisper felt too loud still in the dark quiet of the room. “Thank you.”
Just being able to hear the soft breaths of another in the room, the slight shifts of his motions as he kept watch helped more than he could ever know. Sleep came easily now that she knew he was there, and would always be there as a constant guardian watching over her.
There was something in the confidence with which Alastair spoke that made her believe what he said. Though perhaps if she was a maid there would have been less reason to ensure her protection, knowing that at least someone cared for Olympia, not just the queen, was comforting. There were no words she could speak in response, sinking back into her pillows instead and watching as her dark shadow faded back into his post. With her hand still protectively resting over her stomach, she kept her gaze on him.
“Alastair…” her whisper felt too loud still in the dark quiet of the room. “Thank you.”
Just being able to hear the soft breaths of another in the room, the slight shifts of his motions as he kept watch helped more than he could ever know. Sleep came easily now that she knew he was there, and would always be there as a constant guardian watching over her.