Distant roars of battle followed Simon wherever he went. The familiar grounds of his motherland soothed his soul, torn apart over and over again. He had only one reason to hold on.

His Queen.

He did not know if she would take him back after the lives he had taken to protect her—her life, her people, her kingdom. He was no longer the same man; the demons inside him had stolen his sanity, piece by piece, leaving only fragments of who he once was.

The only thing he knew was her.

The metal of his armor clattered as he walked mindlessly through the castle halls. He did not know if he deserved to see her beauty one more time. To others, he might be a hero. But deep inside, he knew he was nothing more than a beast that craved just one more moment in her presence.

He pushed the door open to the familiar hall, eyes fixed on the ground. He could see the outline of her majestic dress, but he did not allow himself to look any further.

Kneeling, he placed a hand over his heart, his hoarse voice delivering the news.

"The kingdom is secure, Your Majesty. Your land is free."

His voice faltered as he spoke. Every part of him gravitated toward her as if she were the very center of his being.

All he wanted was for her to look him in the eye and let him ruin himself again and again if it meant keeping her safe.