Nilo was glad to return home, turning his head off the small stage and to their mounts. Honestly, he just wanted to talk to Gennadius, but until they were alone, the prince was out on that front. But as the pair reached the stairs, their rather awkward silence was broken by a commotion in the crowd. A child managed to make her way rather nimbly through the guards, who in turn moved to snatch her, but before Nilo could stop them, Gennadius stepped forward and allowed the girl through and her parents quickly followed.

The prince only watched the exchange curiously, though he did not miss the way the young girl would glance at him, as if he were a rather intimidating figure. Perhaps to her, he was. The monarchy was often painted as cold and figures to have a healthy fear of, even if both the king and his son were rather kind people. A faint smile was present on his face as he watched the exchange, the child offering Gennadius her toy and the colonel giving her the chords from her outfit in return, something the young one would truly never forget.

What shocked Nilo the most was when Gennadius brought the little thing over. It had been so long since the man was around kids and she seemed so small compared to him. Her nervousness saddened him, though it should have been expected, but the man’s face only brightened, though he did roll his eyes as he caught Gennadius’s whisper to the young girl. And so the man kneeled before the girl, bringing himself down to her level so he didn’t loom. “Lady RaRa hmm?” Nilo finally spoke, eyeing the child, “What a darling name that is, I must say. I’m jealous.” The man smiled in his signature boyish manner, lopsided and all, “Your parents chose a fine name for such a kind girl. Giving your favorite toy to a colonel? I could never. I still haven’t shared my toys with Gennadius.” Nilo told her, which earned the prince a giggle, something that fulfilled the man more than he had expected.

“But I’m afraid my dear colonel has outdone me this time,” The prince shook his head, “It saddens me to say I have nothing to offer you little one, so I hope my company is enough.” He told her, allowing his head to hand for a moment to make himself seem sad, but it cleared soon enough, his grin returning, “And you simply must teach me how to get past my guards one day. I can never manage to escape their watchful eye. Sometimes, a prince simply needs his privacy.” The man was enjoying talking to the child, but he knew it was time to go.

Nilo gave a soft sigh, though his happy face didn’t fade. “Well, Miss RaRa, it has been my pleasure and honor to meet you, but I think it’s time you returned to your parents, don’t you think? I’m sure you gave them quite the scare, running off like that.” He gestured towards the couple who stood off to the side, though they no longer seemed very concerned, but rather happy for their child, “I hope we meet again m’lady, the future has great things in store for you.” The prince encouraged, allowing her to run back towards her parents. Nilo straightened, giving the girl and her parents a small wave before waiting for Gennadius to accompany him to their mounts so they could head back.

The man would be lying if the announcement hadn’t left him tired, not to mention he had been up nearly all night tossing and turning. Nilo yawned once he mounted, rubbing his eyes before grabbing the reins as he waited for the guards to resume their formation. Now that the announcement was over, the ball planning would begin, although Nilo hoped he could stick Theodore at its head. Usually, the prince would have been thrilled to help plan a ball, but in his current state of exhaustion, the thought of heading the event only tired him.

Watching Nilo kneel down to be at the child’s level, nothing in the world could have wiped the look of complete and utter adoration that crossed Gennadius’s face. What had been a joy and calmness brought on by the child turned into deep love and excitement over the prince who was now taking some of his time to talk to RaRa, evening procuring a giggle from the girl. It was a magical moment really, and one that made the entire trip worth it, even the anxiety and fears that had come with the announcement.

At the end of the day, she knew that her and Nilo may refer to this moment with some fondness and overtime, not really remember it. But the little girl would forever cherish the day she met the prince and soon-to-be princess. What child would forget the colonel who gave her golden tassels, or the prince who now spoke to her as if she were a queen? No, Tara would hold these moments close to her heart because they had made her day, and she had made their day.

By the time Tara was running off back to her parents, the woman’s full focus was on Nilo, offering him the tenderest of smiles as she straightened, head tilting ever so slightly. She quickly followed the man back to the horses, the soft smile never leaving her lips as her gaze stayed pinned on him. Only briefly did it waver as she carefully mounted Magistrate and slipped the fragile toy into a small saddle pocket for safe keeping until they arrived back.

But it was on the slow ride towards the castle that she noticed he seemed drained from the whole thing and her concerns came back. Oh, she was now waving a bit more than she had at the beginning and putting more focus on the people, or rather, she looked at the children who were scattered here and there with parents, siblings, or friends. Still, her mind was on the one who mattered most to her, making the decision that she wasn’t going to keep avoiding the questions. No, she was going to confront him about everything as soon as they got back safely. Because the excitement seemed to have all died away, and she could not remember a time she had ever seen that before.

The return seemed to go faster than the heading out had to her, perhaps because she wasn’t so focused on her fears like she had been. Slipping from Magistrate’s back, she took a moment to coo over him, rubbing his nose and down his neck, earning a few nickers and head butts in return. Though, she did not linger for more than a minute, carefully pulling out the figurine from the saddle and sending the stallion back off with the stablehands. The woman moved to join Nilo as they started inside, waving a servant over to ask them to put the small toy in her room carefully.

As soon as she was sure the gift was being taken care of, she slipped and arm around the prince’s waist and tucked up under his arm with a soft sigh. “You did an amazing job,” she complimented with a warm smile, “but before you go running off to start preparations for the ball, walk with me for a bit.” Gennadius gave his side a gentle squeeze heading them down one of the empty but familiar halls.

“Nilo...” she started but immediately trailed off, trying to figure out a way to word her concerns. He promised. “The circles under your eyes are dark again,” Gennadius began, this time with an observation he could not deny. “How long have you been locking your door at night? Are you even sleeping?” The woman came to a full stop, spinning to stand in front of him, having to crank her neck back some to see his face better. Her hand reached up to rest against his cheek, fitting over his familiar jaw. “What aren’t you telling me? Why won’t you let me in?”

Her plea was heartfelt. She loved him so deeply, was excited for their marriage, and felt all the more attached to him after his display with the child, that the idea that she had been lied to hurt her. It would have hurt her anyway but it really dug deep now. Though she would not tell him so, rathering he told her the truth now so she could help, then making him feel bad and have him not tell her what was really going on. “Please Nilo... let me help. You’re going to marry me so you might as well get used to my help now.”

She watched as his gaze didn’t meet hers, her heart aching as he admitted how long this had been going on. “Oh Nilo...” she breathed out the words softly, the concern in her dark eyes rising as his voice sounded so tired and defeated. You promised me Nilo... you promised. Yes, the fact that he had been hiding this since the day he promised did hurt, deeply. But she was also slightly touched that he had done it so as not to bother her. When would he understand that it was her pleasure to help?

When he finally did look her in the eyes, Gennadius could see the regret that lingered, no doubt from admitting to this. Her hand moved from his, reaching up to push some of his hair away from his forehead. There were so many mixed emotions coming from the man for her to sort through and she was trying her best to figure them all out. There seemed to be some bitterness, exhaustion, general upset? And he seemed to be making the point he didn’t want her to be taking her time to help.

“You’re not just going to magically get used to it,” Gennadius spoke gently, stepping closer to wrap her arms under his, pressing her cheek to his chest and releasing a sigh. “If nothing else, let me get you one of my soldiers as a guard. Someone I would trust with my own life...” She had been going to do it sooner but got worried that if he found out later, it would put a rift between them, so she had chosen to trust his promise instead... though that hadn’t gotten them very far.

“I want to be the one there for you though... it makes me feel so useless when you push me away,” she admitted, pulling back so she could try and see his face. “Why won’t you let me come in at night to be there for you? You always slept better when I was there... remember? You used to let me crawl in beside you and you’d hold me and then we both slept soundly. What was wrong with that?” The woman reached up so her knuckles brushed across his cheek, a sadness in the soft smile.

“When you were in the infirmary, I only left some nights and during the day at times because I thought you wanted me too. I was fine being there for you... I didn’t mind curling up in the chair or sitting on the edge of the bed talking to you and doing paperwork when I needed to. Gods, I would have shimmied in next to you if you had asked...” Another soft sigh as she continued to stroke his cheek gently. “You seemed to not want me there sometimes, I just thought you wanted space. I should have known then something was wrong.”

Again, she pressed herself against him, distressed that she had waited so long to confront him about it all, and distressed he hadn’t told her. Oh gods how his nights must be so miserable... “Would you like me to get a separate room?” Her head tilted up, though her eyes closed. “I... I understand if you don’t want me to help you. I can find one that fits me or just stay at the barracks if you do want to keep your space after we get married.” Did she understand? No... no, not one little bit. She couldn’t understand why it felt like he had been pushing her away, and yet, he seemed so excited about the prospect of them as a couple.

Maybe he did want space after all, just like he had told her was natural for royal couples. Maybe as they got closer to the marriage, he did want to handle things himself and keep her to the side. “I’m sorry...” It was all she got out before burying her face back into his shirt, arms wrapping tighter around his waist. “I’m sorry,” she repeated, this time her voice muffled by his fabric.

Nilo began to tense as it seemed to escalate, although there was no argument or raised voices. It was just… sad. His arms hung at his side as she wrapped her arms around him, the man somewhat ashamed that he had clearly dampened her mood. They had been fine not too long ago, but she was upset now, worried for him. He didn’t respond, but the man knew a guard would do nothing to soothe his worries. The one who had killed the assassin was still at large and was still managing to blend in. How could a simple guard stand a chance against a figure who looked nothing like an enemy?

Nilo was aware he always slept soundly the nights they spent curled up together. Even when the two weren’t touching it was like the man knew she was there and drew comfort from that. Honestly, the man believed any of his friends would make him feel safe at night, whether they just lounged on his sofa or elsewhere in the room. But Gennadius had always been the one he wanted because she was the only one that made everything seem fine, even if it wasn’t

But she was internalizing it. His eyes grew concerned as the woman seemed to take it all incorrectly, interpreting a message that hadn’t been there. Nilo’s eyes widened as she tightened her grip around his middle, burying her face in his shirt as she apologized when she had done absolutely nothing wrong. Nilo gently tugged away, but just so he could bring his hands up to cup her face, thumbs brushing across her cheek. “Let me talk darling,” He implored softly, eyes searching hers, “because it is not what you think.”

It was clear the messages he had sent were mixed, but he had not intended for it to happen and now she was hurting. “I’m sorry I wasn’t honest, I should have been. I didn’t want to worry you and I was hoping it would fade the farther I got away from the incident.” Nilo admitted, though his thinking had been wishful and flawed, “I know, I should’ve told you when it wasn’t getting better, but I thought that if I gave it some more time I would be alright. You wouldn’t have to worry and I could sleep again.” He had wanted everything to work out on it’s own. He hadn’t wanted to bother her or have her worry.

It wasn’t that the man hadn’t wanted her help, it was that what he would have asked her was a lot. To stay with him at night would have been forfeiting her own personal space and he hadn’t wanted to do that. The two had been rather firm in keeping separate beds besides the occasions they had shared when one of them was in anguish. “I didn’t ask you to stay with me because you’ve wanted us to have our separate beds and rooms and I am completely okay with that.” It was true. Although the man loved the nights he was given the luxury of holding her, he didn’t have a problem with sleeping alone, “So the thought of asking you to give that up in lieu of staying with me was not something I entertained. I didn’t want to take your space away.” Nilo explained, hands falling back to his side, eyes sad as he continued to realize how he had saddened her.

“I never wanted you to leave when I was in the infirmary and I am so, so sorry for ever making you believe such things. It was never my intention to make you feel unwelcome because I love every moment I spend with you.” He told her, his tone nearly begging her to believe him. Nilo loved this woman more than he had ever loved himself and to hear her think she had been unwanted… it hurt him too. “And when we get married, I don’t want you in my room Gennadius, I want you in our room.The one we pick out and decorate together. We can even take over an entire wing if you want. Does that sound okay?” He asked, face softening as he looked at her, the man tired and looking to amend the situation before she was hurt further.

“Gennadius,” Nilo spoke her name again, tone firm, yet loving, “I will never, ever not want you with me when you keep me company, alright? And if by some odd chance I don’t, I will tell you. I don’t want you doubting yourself.” He reassured, fingers reaching up to tuck the strand Claude had pulled out behind her ear. “It was never my intention to make you feel this way, I apologize. I was unaware this would affect me so much.” Nilo told her, defeat creeping back into his voice.

His eyes fell away from hers for a moment as he thought, not feeling like what he said had been enough. She was feeling like he was pushing her away and the man didn’t want that to be the case. “If you’d like to start coming in at night with me, I wouldn’t mind.” Nilo commented quietly, glancing back up at her, “It is getting kind of old,” He admitted, “I don’t fell well most of the day cause I’m so exhausted.”

When he pulled himself away some, her distressed and upset gaze lifted to meet his, hearing the imploring tone he gave when he asked to speak. Not what she thought? What did she think? It felt all so mixed up suddenly, that she wasn’t sure what she thought it all really meant anymore. On one hand, he had promised he would tell her if he needed her and he hadn’t. On another hand, there had been times where she hadn’t wanted to disturb him and thought she could just get through things herself...

But she listened nonetheless to what he had to say, carefully taking I every word and tone. Gennadius couldn’t help the instinctive move to press into his hands, her own smaller appendages coming up to land on top of his. They were so warm... they were comforting, even as his words brought with them a sense of relief and hope that maybe she had read into it all wrong. That what she was seeing as him pulling away was simply him trying to be thoughtful for her own wants and needs, though that had both made the mistake of assuming.

Yes, the woman could now see how they had both been wrong in thinking and actions, and now they were both upset. Even feeling his hands slip from her face left her feeling cold, though he was still talking. Perhaps at one time, she would have wanted that extra space but with each passing day, she found that her alone time was less wanted as spending time with him, just being in his presence. Though she was also inclined to his touch these days, loving his warmth and the strength that was held behind his hugs.

Gennadius simply nodded as he mentioned how they would room together once they were married, lost for words at the moment. Again, she was surprised, having expected to simply move into his room and it be, well, his room. How could she have gotten all this so mixed up in her mind? Not that anyone could fault the young colonel considering she had never had the chance to be in a relationship or even see a functioning one. What she knew she was learning as she went and she was still figuring out not only relationships in general, but royal relationships which were a different beast.

The way he said her name grabbed her attention again and her gaze fell to the ground, now ashamed that she had ever thought that he really didn’t want her around. This whole time she had been upset at the way he had done things, but how had her words hurt him as well? No, this was not how any of it had been meant to go by any means. But slowly she lifted her gaze again, just in time for his to be the one that fell away for a moment.

Her fingers gently reached up to his cheek again, the soft smile returning, though this time it didn’t hold the sadness it had, simply a slight sorrow for having started this when she should have known better. “You never did anything wrong... I am sorry, I just... I’m still learning how to figure these things out, you know? It was my fault for assuming you were pushing me away, because I know Nilo... I know..” she reached for his hand, grasping it and pulling it to her heart, “that you love me and love being with me. And I should have just asked you instead of starting this. For that I am very very sorry.”

Releasing his hand, she moved to tuck herself back under his arm and continue their walk again. “I would enjoy being there for you, but not because you feel obligated to invite me now. I just want you to be okay too. I can easily take the sofa if that makes you the most comfortable, I really don’t mind. I never told you but I moved into the castle to be closer to you, honestly,” she finally admitted the real reason she now had a room outside the barracks. “I thought you might like knowing I was closer, I just didn’t think you wanted me too close.”

Letting out a soft sigh, Gennadius leaned into him, shaking her head softly. “I should have known better. I knew something was wrong for the past couple weeks, I just never wanted to bother you. Anything you need, and I will gladly do it and support you, alright? Nothing is too much of a burden. Nothing can be much more burdensome than living the streets, you know?” And she finally let out a soft chuckle, some of the spark returning to her eyes.

“And in response to what you said about a room, that sounds perfect. I would really enjoy getting to do that.” And then her entire demeanor brightened as she had an idea, untucking herself from his arm. “It could be like looking for an apartment or a house, no? And if we took a whole wing, we could actually make it like a house, couldn’t we? I know we are in the castle but maybe we could have a living room and normal rooms such as that? Maybe even throw in a small kitchen so I can stare at it every day before heading down to the cooks.” She laughed at the idea, offering him a grin as the excitement came back.

Nilo’s face brightened as her hand found his cheek again and the man looked hopeful, wanting everything to resolve. As she spoke a soft sigh of relief escaped him and he melted into her touch. Her small hand was warm against the cool skin of his face and his eyes closed once more, her consolation evidently having soothed his budding anxieties. His gaze crossed hers as her hand reached to grab his, drawing it to her chest. A very faint smile appeared on his face as the woman said that she knew he loved her. The pair had proclaimed their love for each other on numerous occasions, more to count, but there was something about hearing it that warmed him.

Although, the prince did shake his head when she apologized. “Don’t worry about it,” Nilo reassured and he was more than happy to let her slip beneath his arm again and the two began to walk again with slow steps. There was no destination in mind, for they simply wanted to talk to each other. “I don’t mind sharing the bed with you,” He responded as she mentioned taking the couch, an idea which appalled him, “Although if anyone will be sleeping on the couch it will be me. I understand that we are equals and your life revolves around being tough, but I refuse to let my betrothed sleep on the couch.” Nilo told her firmly, evident he was not budging on the matter, especially if she was helping him.

The fact she had moved into the castle for him most certainly touched the prince, for the woman had never given a clear reason for taking one of the many rooms. “Too close?” Nilo questioned, tilting his head as he looked down at her, “You could never be close enough.” He gave her a gentle squeeze, a genuine smile finally returning to his face. “Although you really don’t have to come in every, I’m sure that eventually, I’ll learn to manage. I don’t want to invade your space either.” Nilo was happy her humor had returned as did her mood, but he wanted to make it clear he was in no way attempting to infringe upon her boundaries.

The prince laughed as she mentioned turning a wing into their own, head falling back at the idea of dominating an entire space simply because they could. “You have a fundamental misunderstanding of how a house works.” Nilo snorted, but liked the idea, “I believe we have a smaller wing tucked in the back that could work though.” He offered, trying to remember, “And no, I refuse to build you a kitchen because you will attempt to use it. I know we have two castles but I’m not looking to lose this one in your attempt to bake bread.” The man let out another chuckle and the pair turned a corner.

“We could have a little lounge with some bookshelves for you of course,” Nilo suggested, a soft smile present on his own face, “Perhaps a study for myself. My father’s not going anywhere so I might as well.” He reached out to interlace their fingers, absentmindedly seeking her contact. It wasn’t that the man needed comfort, but loved to touch and feel the warmth she radiated. “I would say we visit right now, but perhaps we should wait until we’re married, don’t you think?” Nilo asked, “It can be our first project as newlyweds, claiming a wing for our own. A nice surprise for us.” He offered her, thrilled at the thought of yet another adventure the two could share.

Nilo was still extremely tired, but feeling a lot better. The man felt a weight was off his shoulders now that she was aware of his nighttime struggles. He no longer felt the need to hide his exhaustion around her to prevent her from worrying. Granted, the man shouldn’t have hidden anything from her in the first place, but now that it was out in the open he found himself less stressed because he didn’t have to endure it in silence, even if many wouldn’t see his struggle as a notable one.

It was after several more moments of walking the prince stopped, brow furrowing in sudden concern. “Gods, you still have work.” The man acknowledged, having somehow forgotten about her job, “Do you need me to walk you back? It totally slipped my mind. I’m sure you have other things to do other than entertain me. “ A soft chuckle escaped and he shook his head. “I swear I just need to steal you away for a few days, then your job will be to entertain me.” Nilo joked, bumping their shoulders together.

Bright eyes glanced at Nilo happily, their emotional conversation left behind as amends had been made and they were on a much better subject. “I would NOT burn your castle down if I got a kitchen! Now, granted, I may accidently poison you, but there would be now smoldering stone,” she dramatically huffed, though she was still smiling and highly amused. Yes, she agreed that perhaps a kitchen really wasn’t the best idea. “And who knows, one day maybe one of my daggers would slip into my baking... that would certainly have an unpleasant ending.” She chuckled, head tilting with her attention back on what Nilo had to say.

Gennadius gladly let him take her hand, squeezing his lightly in affirmation of the move. She too loved the warmth of his hand and the simple touch. “I think a small library would be nice, though I may spend more time haunting your study,” she grinned, enjoying the idea more and more as they thought about it. “But yes, I agree we should wait, though it couldn’t hurt to at least decide which room ours would be. Maybe we could have an extra guest room and a miniature of the war room for me?” She offered a few more ideas to the general new and grand plan they had.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to start on it now. Far from it! The woman was practically ready to go find the wing, get some paper, and have them sit down and start working on blueprints and ideas for each room. Because it was going to be a massive job, no doubt the back wing needing to be cleaned out, with a few repairs, and then there would be furniture and just preparing everything. It was a job that would no doubt take months of work. And right now, they had more than enough to focus on with the upcoming ball, wedding, and even their own work. And as he said, it would be even more special if they made it a project for when they were married.

When Nilo suddenly stopped, Gennadius turned and glanced at him with concern, “What’s wrong?” Work.... yes, how could she have forgotten? Easily really, since she had been so involved with Nilo, it had slipped her mind as well. But it was something she had to do considering until she was married, she was still the colonel, and even then, she hoped to keep some of her duties, though she had been considering promoting someone with Nilo’s permission. Theophilus couldn’t continue as both military advisor and doing a chunk of her duties. The man would be needed in full capacity for Nilo’s court and he was already being stretched some, though handling it well.

Offering him a soft smile, she released his hand and stepped in front of him, hands lightly resting on his chest, her touch always being gentle since the attempt on his life. “You’ll get your chance to steal me away for a little while soon enough. And then you will have me for the rest of your life, trying to steal your bed space, and study space, and all your time, and anything else I can get my hands on of yours.” Her fingers moved to splay across his cheek as she moved to her toes, pressing a light kiss to his lips. “But until you do that, I am afraid I must humor my work as well.”

Her arms moved to wrap arounds his waist as she went flat footed again, pressing her face to his chest, lingering for a few seconds that way. “But why don’t we try and have dinner together tonight and then we can see if you can actually sleep.” Gennadius moved away slowly, not really wanting to leave the man now. “But while I am slaving away over your soldiers, you could always start working on the ball...” she playfully poked him before releasing a sigh. “I guess I should go... you are welcome to walk with me if you’d like though. Once I get to the barracks, I’ll find one of my spare sets of clothes and change out of this stuffy thing.”

Nilo did end up walking her to the barracks and for the rest of the day, the pair remained split, returning to their respective jobs per usual. Even though the two would probably spend every waking moment together if they could, some space here and there probably did them some good, simply so they could actually have something outside of each other, even if they would be working more closely together following their marriage and Gennadius’s removal from her current colonel status.

Theodore was ecstatic at the mention of planning a ball. Well, he was most excited about ogling the noblemen with Isabella, who had become a good friend of his throughout her stay. The two were closer in age than Theo was with the rest of the brood, even though the flamboyant man had befriended the entire castle within his first week of being there. He had promised to get the basics done for the prince while Nilo was tasked with getting his clothing order in for the event, considering it would take Claude awhile to create.

The prince had done as instructed even though he was drowsy, settling for a mostly all-white outfit, with a silver vest to give a pop of color and longer coattails for a more elegant look. Of course, his boots would remain the same black, given as the man never donned any other footwear, even if they were worn out. Claude tried to get him to buy new shoes every time the prince had an event, commenting on how lackluster and scuffed the footwear was now, but Nilo never listened.

As expected, Nilo’s father had scolded him for not wearing his crown. Although he had been informed the announcement went fine despite the interference of the young girl, he had also been told that his son hadn’t worn his crown, which was something he and his father would probably forever butt heads on. But besides that, the day was fine and Nilo walked through it happily, excited for his future following the engagement announcement and more relaxed now that Gennadius knew his struggles.

Though when the end of the day came Nilo was still glad for it, the man exhausted and happy with the promise of a quiet dinner with the woman he loved. He had returned after the long day to care for Flower, who happened to need her weekly bath so the man was stuck doing that, which resulted in him getting positively soaked and needing to bathe himself. And that was a daunting task, especially since it resulted in him being forced to see his scars, but he knew he couldn’t smell like a wet dog all night, so he forced himself to bathe, even if it left him more fatigue atop of additional distress if that was even possible.

So, when all was said and done, the prince decided to just relax and calm himself down while he fidgeted with his damp hair. Dinner would be nice and the man was rather hungry, having only had a small meal earlier that morning. Though after about half an hour, Nilo collapsed face down into his pillow, his weariness finally getting to him and nearly forcing him into slumber, even if he had tried his damndest to stay awake. It was there the man laid, wearing one of his usual dress shirts but in his nighttime pants, knocked out while Flower rested her head on his back.

It was unfortunate that she had to work, though she knew it was necessary. Gennadius was learning every day that she wanted to spend more time with him. While a year before when she had just gotten the original troops back and jumped back into work, missing him here and there, now she spent a good majority of the time working, thinking about him. But it was nice to look forward to the night when they could share dinner together.

For her, it was one the days where she was actually working hands on with the troops, with just some paperwork to quickly finish up when she was done. Unfortunately, things took longer than intended. It started with the moment she walked onto the training grounds after changing and she was accosted with the catcalls and whooping of the men. And that was where things went downhill... at least time wise, considering normally she would not have minded except she already had things planned and wanted to get things wrapped up quickly.

No training ended up being done, as it turned out her men had basically chosen the day of the announcement to do a bachelor party of sorts for their colonel. Though there were lots of jokes about it also being her retirement party. Basically, in the end, she was flaunted among the troops, ended up doing some sparring for fun, and joined the men in general antics because it was clear no work was getting done. Granted, she did enjoy it but when she was finally released, it was later than she wanted and she still had the paperwork that needed to be done.

The woman did her best to get it all finished as quickly as she could, and by the time she had it done and was on her way back to the castle, it was already late in the evening. She quickly dropped the papers off in the study before making her way to her room, changing one last time into a pair of the prince’s sweat pants and one of his shirts, which had become her nightly apparel as it was oversized and comfortable.

Once donning his clothes, Gennadius slipped from her room and quietly made her way towards his room, ducking in through what used to be Damien’s room. Locking that door behind her, she slipped in through the adjoining door, ready to apologize profusely except... Nilo was passed out cold on the bed with Flower lifting her head and wagging her tail to see Gennadius there. No, she couldn’t wake him up... not when he had been so tired the past days and exhausted. Instead, she simply locked the adjoining door, and made sure his door and the balcony ones were secured as well.

Once content everything was locked up the way he would like it, Gennadius moved over to the bed, shooing the dog down so she could grab the comforter and throw it over the man. Of course, she did give Flower some pets but not for long, finally moving to snuggle under the blankets beside Nilo, curling up with her back to his side. She was hungry but her own exhaustion was setting in and she too began to drift off. There was a moment of semi-consciousness when she felt him shift and two arms wrap around her waist, but otherwise, it was lights out for her.

At least, it was for a while before her eyes suddenly snapped open. Gennadius had no idea why she was suddenly alert, but she was. The room was basically pitch dark and it took a few moments for her eyes to adjust, though at first, nothing seemed off. But she knew it was... it had been a long time since her sixth sense had kicked in, but it was there and screaming in her head, though she was struggling to place why. All seemed fine and quiet. Nilo was sleeping beside her though his arm had fallen from around her waist... he was breathing, everything was sti....

Her head had turned towards the ceiling as she was trying to figure out her alertness, and that was when she noticed the dark figure and a flash of a blade. It was reflex that probably saved both of them as her hands shot out, catching a pair of wrists between them as a gruff explicative was released from the shadowed man. Her body twisted to accommodate the position, grip tightening on the hands as she felt the force being pushed down against her, dagger slowly inching towards her chest.

“NILO!” she managed to gruffly shout it between gritted teeth, leg kicking out towards him. The attacker had been smart, keeping his body out of reach of her to kick, though it seemed he had not expected her to be there. The dagger had been intended for Nilo, though now she was the one in its path. She had the option of twisting to the side and hoping the momentum thrust the blade into the bed, but she risked it still hitting her, or worse yet, Nilo. And if she released the man’s wrists, she also risked him going for Nilo instead. The only reason she knew the dagger was still being pushed towards her though was the fact that if the attacker stopped, she could get in a position where she could be dangerous. Right now she was as vulnerable as it got, and even her defense could not hold up against the man’s strength.

“Nilo!”this time the plea was quieter though still harsh, all her strength going into holding off the blade. There was no way in hell she could let this man kill her in Nilo’s bed... no way in hell if she could help it, though adrenaline was probably the only reason she was still managing to survive, her arms shaking against the force and strength it was taking, her breath broken and huffy. But she was fighting a losing battle, the tip getting way to close for comfort and her neck craning to the side to try and put more distance between. But as long as the blade was aimed at her... Nilo had a chance.