The rain beat down, an overwhelming ambiance to stress as the tall male peered out into the streets coated in nightfall. His heart hammered, heavy with guilt, betrayal, and fear. For a year now he'd been played a fool, fell in love with an act that cherished him too.

Guards storm by, questions posed more like threats to those they found in the streets. Every question was the same.

Where was the missing queen-to-be? Every soul was interrogated, buildings searched and torn apart due to orders from an angry and obsessed tyrant. Where was the queen who had been hidden behind a veil all her life — a queen who's face had never been seen apart from royalty and high ranking guards.

Dark eyes turn back to the female frame huddled low behind a wall, features hidden but painted with solemn guilt. The baby — their baby, in her arms and tucked close for warmth, her voice soft as she soothed the fussy child and begged the heavens the small infant keep quiet.

She was tired, drained from endless days of travel and nights of hiding. Of little food and constant stress. But they still had much to travel...needed to get out of the kingdom.

He could only imagine what would happen should the king find her. His gaze softened, a glance spared to the street before he sighed.

He understood why she lied...and despite the anger...he still loved her — his common queen. "Please..." his voice was a whisper as he stepped closer, kneeling down to brush back her hair, his hand fixing her hood in some attempt at comfort. "Just hang in there, my love." He tried to sound more firm than he felt. "We'll find a place to stay tonight...there's an inn not too far. I'll get us some food—"

Boots and clinking metal cut him off and the female before him tensed, pulling their child closer. His hand fell to her shoulder as guards patrolled the streets. Her whimper felt like an echo.

"Look at me..." Feneri breathed, cupping her face and those soft eyes met his. "You're okay...I promise everything will be okay."