As the man's forehead made contact with hers, Gennadius felt more of her resolve break down and she shuddered. His words and his touch were like drills driving deeper into her soul. You were supposed to be stuck with me. She was meant to be stuck in a hell on earth, not in a fantasy world with a royal.

The female leaned in heavier against him, allowing his warmth to make up for what she had lost. Gennadius let out another shuddering breath, her eyes fluttering open as the prince's hand rested on her leg. His voice sounded as distraught as she felt and the female tried to offer a reassuring smile. But what reassurance could she truly give?

"And if I stay?" her voice was barely above a whisper. "You know it would be impossible for me to stay your personal guard... I neglected my duty highness. The policy must be kept, you know that..." with each word her tone grew a little stronger, a new hope arising from the man himself. Her own hand rested on his and she sucked in another deep breath.

"One way or another I have to go...." Gennadius knew not to would be unfair to others who had done less and received the same fate. But maybe... maybe the prince could make a deal. Maybe if she survived a certain length of time, she could come back... The guard offered a soft smile before withdrawing her hand and leaning backwards, reason causing her to be uncomfortably aware of their vicinity to one another.

Yet, this small withdrawal left the guard feeling empty, as if her simple move away had caused her to lose something. But Gennadius collected the pieces of her shattered facade, collecting what composure and indifference she could. It would be her only means of survival. That and working around her burning hip. Her gaze landed on the injured joint, seemingly searching for an answer. Perhaps she could makeshift a sling or brace of sorts that could offer even a little more stability.

"Please, help me to my feet," Gennadius asked, using an arm to brace against the wall and the other against the prince's shoulder. Her light blue eyes were masked over by determination as she slowly made her way back to the infirmary room. There she would see what bandaging she could find and attempt to make some sort of stability. "Any clues on how to make a functional hip brace?" she asked, seemingly having forgotten what had just occurred.

In truth, she more than remembered. It was ingrained in her mind for the rest of her breathing days. Never had she allowed anyone half as close as she had allowed the prince, no less touch her. And even now she could feel the relief at a warm and encouraging touch. And the strange warmth that had filled her and given her that long sought after peace. Could she have had a glimpse into what a normal life would be like? No. It was an act of two distraught people, acting no better than children.

Nilo had once thought he was the worst thing that had ever happened to her, but as they sat together on the cool tile, he wished that had been the case. He wished that he was still just a plague on her, that he was the very thing that would drive her mad, but she had bigger fish to fry now, and he definitely wasn’t one of them.

When she finally pulled away from him, the prince shuddered from the loss of contact, feeling as if there was a void in the depths of his chest, aching to be filled. But now was not the time to wonder, nor pursue that hole within him, for Nilo felt his only need was to focus on the woman in front of him. If he was feeling miserable, her emotions must have been magnified a hundredfold.

Nilo allowed her to use him as a support as she lifted herself from the floor, her pain evident with every step. He walked beside her, wordless as they returned to the infirmary. It was a short walk, but he feared for her well-being. This woman shouldn’t even be out of bed, let alone be expected to fight. Nilo grimaced. He couldn’t understand why Darius would do such a thing. The heir to the throne himself hadn’t even made a fuss about her actions, only showing concern for her injuries.

At her question, Nilo nodded, moving about the room as he searched cabinets for something he may be able to use. “I had to wear one, or something of the like, a couple years ago when I was really banged up.” Nilo explained, pulling a few items from various places, tossing them onto her bed, “But it restricted how I walked, I would limp.” He moved to the edge of the bed and plopped down onto its plush surface, picking through the things he acquired. Some padding type material, as well as some of the wider, thicker bandages that were often used for large wounds. The prince cast a doubtful glance at his small pile, but figured his idea would be better than that bulky thing he had worn with a steel apparatus.

“I can get you a real one with no issues, but I think this way might be better for you in the face of combat. It uses compression in certain areas to help alleviate your pain. If we go here...” Nilo stood up, gesturing to the area above his hips, running a hand along the expanse, “with some thicker cushioning for comfort and wrap it nicely, then trail it down the thigh…” The prince’s hand snaked down his upper leg, stopping just before the kneecap before lifting himself back up, his eyes meeting hers. “Then I would think that would work. We would add some of that padding stuff where necessary, but if there’s too much it will slow you down.”

Gennadius watched intently as the prince shared his idea, explaining how everything would fit together and its functionality. "A real brace would be too restraining. This will keep me at a limp." A limp was not ideal but it was much better than not being able to walk. Her light blue eyes trailed over the materials as she mentally sorted exactly what she had to do.

Her fingertips brushed up against the padding before she turned to the prince. "I'll see what I can do with it. While I figure this out, maybe you should go and get yourself lunch. It's about that time," she looked out the small window, the suns position reaffirming her guess.

As soon as the man had left, Gennadius sank onto the bed, gingerly pulling off the leather pants. The bruising started half way up her thigh and stretched upwards into her waist. It was a wonder she had made it through last nights escapade. While Gennadius was skilled, she was still a smaller woman.

Picking up the items the prince had pointed out, Gennadius began to create the brace, wincing everytime anything made contact with the sensitive skin. The entire process was agony but after a few failed attempts, she managed something at least of partial use.

Sliding the leather pants back on, the guard was relieved that she kept them baggy, the one leg now fitting snuggly against the bandaging. Wincing, she pushed herself back up to her feet, carefully making her way around the room. Sure enough, it worked. The pain was still there but it was a tad lighter and her leg now had better support.

Her light blue gaze landed on the queen's book, still resting on the side table. Carefully Gennadius lowered herself into the seat and gingerly picked it up. For the first time, the woman opened the pages and found herself engulfed in a beautiful story. The illustrations were well drawn and she found herself drawn to the red wolf. The character seemed so similar to the prince himself though, she sensed a difference.

As she read, she felt the last of her energy draining and she rested the book down before leaning back in the chair. Gennadius was exhausted and for a moment closed her eyes. But that moment stretched on as memories danced with fantasies in her mind. Pain wedged its cold fingers into her dreams. It seemed to choke her and try to drown her. Yet everytime she felt herself falling, a strange arm caught her and brought her into warmth.

Gennadius' eyes snapped open and she let out a soft groan. Why must her mind torture her in sleep now as well?

The female stayed in the infirmary room for a few hours, spending her time between pacing and sitting. As the day neared its end, Gennadius let out a soft sigh and rested her hand on the door. A part of her had hoped the prince would return and she felt an indescribable loss when he had not. But than again, why would he?

Sliding out the door, Gennadius made her way towards the room she had been staying in. Her progress was slow, though she had better stability. Every few minutes the guard would pause to suck in a breath before continuing. Nearing her room, Gennadius looked around, still hoping to see the prince. But again, he did not appear.

Entering her room, her dark gaze looked around, eventually reaching the scattered books on the bed. Nearing them, her fingertips brushed against the covers. She would have no use for them anymore. A bitter sweet smile crossed her lips as she moved away, focusing on her armor. With some effort, Gennadius managed to get the metal plating on and adjust the ties.

Again she looked around. She had never like the room anyway. The female started to leave but stopped in front of a few blood stains on the floor. Quietly she grabbed a cloth and dipped it in her water basin. Kneeling down, she attempted to clean it though to no avail. Heaving herself up with a groan, she knocked on the prince's door. When there was no response, she was both relieved and disappointed.

Slipping into his room, Gennadius went to the cabinet and poured some of the alcohol onto the cloth. With that, she returned back to the stains, attempting once again to clean the floor. She had slightly better luck, though they were still there. Frustrated, Gennadius stood and tossed the cloth to the side.

The female guard left her room, hobbling out towards the courtyard where she knew Darius would be. Gennadius would leave tonight. She had nothing left here anyway. She willed herself to go faster and so bit back the pain as she struggled to keep up to a normal walking pace. Her metal armor clinked obnoxiously as she walked, her metal boots caus idk ng her steps to echo. Gebbadius slowed for a second by the tapestry she had seen the day before. Her fingers brushed against the fabric before she continued walking. It was of no consequence.

Reaching the outdoors, Gennadius breathed in the fresh air. Her dark gaze scanned the area before she continued forward again. A few men looked up but fell silent when they realized who it was. Yes, Bervan had come out better in the end but in battle, he would have been dead. And a bet was a bet.

Darius noticed her and walked up. "Ready to leave soldier?" Her dark haze met his stony stare. "Let me say goodbye to Magistrate first." Darius simply nodded and Gennadius limped towards the stables. Originally she wasn't going to say goodbye but now the dark steed was her only comfort. Passing the stalls, she stopped in front of his. The horse nickered and stretched his neck over the door. Gennadius gently stroked his snout. "You behave, alright?" With a soft pat, she turned and began to leave the stable.

(This was really lengthy, sorry ahead of time)

The interaction with his father, as had been expected, hadn’t gone well. Nilo had entered the room and immediately felt claustrophobic. Piles of paper, unopened gifts and cabinets filled with the Gods know what lined the room, reeking of unorganization. The towering form of his father had been positioned at a desk, his impossibly giant body scarcely fitting within the chair he sat in.

“Nilo,” The man had spoken gruffly, not yet facing the prince.

“Father…” His son had replied.

Then all Hell broke loose.

Two russet haired royals ended up facing each other, their identical blue eyes lighting each other aflame with grisly glares. Nilo’s chest heaved in his anger, the white fabric of his shirt stretching with every breath he took. The king’s mouth was a mixture between an animalistic snarl and a scowl, as if he couldn’t decide which was a better way to reprimand his son.

“You expect me to go above Darius’s head, the man who is my most trusted captain, to bring you back your plaything? The man gave an order. You should respect him.”

“She is not my plaything!,” Nilo hollered back, “Gennadius was good at what she did!”

“Nilo, she messed up her second day in with you. She violated her oath by leaving your side! You are too forgiving!”

Nilo’s nostrils flared and his eyes narrowed. They had been going in circles for hours. The king clearly did not want Gennad back at Nilo’s side, nor even at the barracks. The prince understood his father's heat. With Gennadius’s return, inquiries would fly. Was the king going against the very doctrines he was born to serve, born to teach his heir to enforce? It could be a blow to his reputation.

So Nilo softened before the man before him, allowing his fire to seemingly die. The king relaxed as well, believing his son was giving up. But Nilo wasn’t giving up. This was simply another approach. “Da…” Nilo’s voice was scarcely above a murmur, “Last night, she was fighting for me.” Please don’t kill me later Gennadius.

King Leonel cocked a brow interested. Nilo looked at him with pleading eyes, trying best to compose a convincing, despairing facade. He prayed the king would fall for it. He bit his lip anxiously, as if nervous. Well, truth be told, he was nervous, but he was only afraid the king would call his bluff.

“The guards utter pestilence on my name father. She went down to collect something from her saddlebag, I was already asleep ....” Nilo trailed, his head downcast. He hastily glanced at his father, trying to gauge his reaction. “She was defending my honor. It was unnecessary, yes, but she did it for me.” Finally the raised his dejected gaze. He met the calculative eyes of the king. Anyone who saw the man would see a statue, but Nilo knew the man too well, he was beginning to crack.

Contrary to popular belief, King Leonel Van Aslan was not as stony as he seemed. He was a good monarch, a man who made his expectations clear and made sure all laws were followed. But he was as good at putting on a fake exterior as his son. The man was a charmer, kind as they came. He had once been a phenomenal father before he engrossed himself in his his duties, no longer spreading them among his court or sharing some of them with his son. After he lost his youngest son, he lost himself. So as he stood before Nilo, the that had once been his pride and joy, the boy who would have once done anything for his father, the king’s stubborn face began to break. This was his son, a bright young man who showed promise, who had always cared as much for his people as his father. How could he deny him this one request, especially when it seemed like the situation was a misunderstanding, and his boy seemed so distraught?

When the king gave a soft sigh, Nilo knew he had won. He fought the urge to smile. Yes, lying was wrong, but so was Gennadius dying. “Da?” Nilo questioned, still in the same pitiful tone.

“I will have her brought back Nilo, but she still must serve time on the border. This Gennadius still violated her oath, and must be punished. It would be unfair to others.” Leonel told his prince firmly, clapping him on the shoulder, “You are dismissed.”

Nilo grinned at the man before him for a few moments, but left as instructed. The king had given in for his child, so Nilo deemed it better not to push anymore buttons. To say the prince ran to the infirmary was an understatement. It was more like a sprint, as if he were a man starved and his only meal was waiting for him. But when the room was empty, Nilo began to fear she was already gone. Her room proved to be empty as well. The prince cursed, snatching a scarlet coat out of his wardrobe as he began to run for the courtyard.

He was a flash of blood-red as he dashed through the castle, earning him several calls from the guards as he thundered past. Nilo flew around corners, shoulder-checked servants. In those moments he was like this hybrid, this mix of a man who couldn’t contain himself, and maybe, just maybe, Nilo was.

Nilo entered the courtyard with fervor, his pale eyes scanning. A few of the men began to approach him, but it wasn’t long before he caught sight of a familiar head topped with golden curls rounding a corner.

“Your Highness!”

“Move.”

The last leg of his insane race sat before him, and no man was going to stop him from reaching her. Nilo pursued her, finally catching up she approached the pen of Magistrate. For a moment, he contemplated not disturbing them, but he threw that idea into the wind, too desperate to inform her of the change.

“Gennadius,” Nilo heaved, out of breath, “Father’s… going to… bring… you back.” He managed to get out, having doubled over as he caught his breath. Perhaps it was a mistake putting a coat on. Now he was suffocating beneath its red fabric as he struggled to regain his composure.

Gennadius had heard footsteps but paid them no heed as she sighed, ready to leave Magistrate to the fates. But the voice that followed caused her to stop mid stride and turn. Bring her back? Uncertainty flashed through her eyes as she looked at the man who had clearly run a long ways.

"Bring me back?" Gennadius knew it meant she still had to go but at least she had a chance. A small smile flitted across her lips. "I dont dare ask how you managed that." The guard, now soldier, stepped up to the prince. "You realize there is still no guarantee I will return, right?" She wondered if she had come to more terms with it than he had. Not that she could understand why.

"Just do me a favor if you wouldn't mind. Let Magistrate run the pastures please. And, dont let anyone hurt him... he's kind of skittish." She wondered if it was wrong for her to ask anything of the royal. Her gaze moved to her horse as the black steed snorted and pawed at his stall. "And return the book to the queen with my apologies."

Gennadius noticed how striking a form the royal cut in his scarlet coat and wondered if she'd ever have a chance to see him in it again. "I... I have to say..."

"Hurry up soldier!" Darius' voice yelled out and Gennadius' form snapped into attention, her sentence being left unfinished. The captain nodded curtly at the princess offered a slight bow. "I will have another guard assigned to you shortly highness." His dark eyes turned to Gennadius, "Let's head out. You have a long journey tonight." The female simply nodded, casting one last glance at the prince before following behind her commanding officer, her limp more than evident, though she now hid the pain better.

Though a small hope now resided within her, Gennadius knew it would be a struggle to stay alive. Silently she followed Darius before struggling onto the figeting and weak looking mare that was waiting for her. Swinging the frail creature around, her eyes crossed the prince and she gave him a reassuring smile, before moving into a gallop. In a moment, she dissapeared from sight, riding towards an uncertain fate.

Sweat rolled down Gennadius face as the sun beat down on her heavily. Her dark blue eyes seemed darker than usual as she slumped down against a tree, breathing heavily. Beside her lay her sword which she had just thrown down, the blade stained crimson. Her hip still burned though she had become accustomed to the pain, able to use it more as two days had passed.

Closing her eyes, Gennadius let her fingers sink into the soft grass. She could not stay in place long, knowing another battle was sure to come. That and it was vital she check in with her captain for the head count. Soldiers were dying right and left, though no names were ever taken. There were too many to pay attention to who it was that got run through.

Pulling herself to her feet, Gennadius picked up the sword, carefully running it across the ground in attempt to remove the blood. Placing it back into her sheath, the female made her way through the trees, arrviving at the small camp she had been assigned to. Seeing her, the captain simply nodded, adding another number to the amount of survivors.

Making her way to her tent, Gennadius only paused a moment to look into the blue sky. But all she saw was red streaked across, dripping down into her sight. Looking away she entered the tent and looked around, sorrow overwhelming her. All three of her tent mates had been cut down today.

Sinking to the ground, Gennadius threw off her sheath. Closing her eyes, she laid down against the hard dirt, welcoming the darkness of the back of her kids. But it did not last long as a figure appeared with russet hair and light blue eyes. A smile painted his face as he seemed to be laughing, beckoning her to join him. Shutting her eyes tighter, Gennadius rolled over. "Go away," she muttered, grabbing a sheet and pulling it over head.

Come back to me....

"I can't... not yet," she replied to the imaginary voice. "So please... leave me alone. Just... just be quiet..." The figure turned away, his carved physique starting to walk from her sight. A blade crossed the vision and Gennadius' eyes snapped open as she sat upright. "Curse you..." she said and buried her head in her hands.

Pulling back, she inspected them, her eyes only seeing her fingers tainted in red. How many lives had she taken in the two days she had been here? Perhaps fifty or more... who could keep count? How she had survived this long she did not know. Already Gennadius wanted to be taken too, tired of seeing death surround her.

"Come back," she whispered, closing her eyes. "I'm sorry... Im sorry..." But the figure did not appear. Instead a bugle was blown and Gennadius quickly got to her feet, pulling the sheath onto her waist and drawing her sword. The soldier hardened her heart as she stepped outside, moving towards the rogues that were rushing towards the camp.

~

A young servant boy moved into the courtyard, a large round object wrapped in his arms. "I am searching for Gennadius!" he called out, looking around in uncertainty. When no one replied, he tried again, "I have something for Gennadius!"

Darius walked up to him and reached out for the package. "Gennadius is not here but I can take this." The servant let go of it as Darius peaked past the paper to see if he should send the boy back with it. He immediately recognized the shards embedded in the glass of the shield, knowing they had belonged to a vase the prince owned. "I know where to bring this. Be off with you boy."

Darius carefully made his way to the prince's room, laying the package down by his door. Turning to the man that stood guard he nodded, "Let the prince know this is for him." The guard nodded as Darius left and knocked on the prince's door. "A package for you sir!" He called out before staring back at the wall.