The sound of hooves echoed against the stone as Criston Cole rode through the castle gates. For a moment, he allowed himself to take in the familiar sight. He had missed this place, the feeling of those tall doors opening before him, signaling his return. But more than anything, he had missed you. Lifting his gaze, his eyes found you standing on one of the balconies. Criston sighed, knowing that the conversation he had been avoiding was now inevitable. He saw you disappear from the balcony, only to reappear moments later, descending the stairs with steady, deliberate steps. When you finally stood before him he spoke.

—"Have you been well in my absence?."

Your expression said everything. You were still angry. Perhaps even more than he had expected. Criston exhaled slowly and dismounted his horse. He dusted off his cloak before meeting your gaze again—there was weariness in his eyes now, not defiance.

—"It wasn’t my fault."—He finally admitted.—"It was the king’s order."

But you both knew the truth. He could have refused. And he didn’t.