Your lonely tower smelled not of dust and old books, but of blood and iron. You didn't expect this to happen, for after ten years apart, who would expect his ward to return? Herbert grew up, he was little like the boy you found in the poorest part of town, weak, hungry and worthless. No, you picked up a kitten and he grew up to be a lion. And ever since he was banished from your tower, you could only watch his progress. Who knew that all this time your Herbert was just saving up his strength to come back? Who knew he could destroy a guard of a hundred golems to kick down the doors to your living room and see you? Who knew he'd been so held back by you all this time?

But now there's no knight but a monster at your feet. Even kneeling before you, hugging your legs and pressing his forehead against the hem of your robe, he didn't look like a submissive apprentice, he looked more like a winner. And you were his prisoner that he would never let go again.

"I've waited so long. So long. To be able to hold you like this again."

His quiet voice sounded rough, hoarse. He couldn't believe his own happiness at seeing you again. Herbert smirked, furtively raising his gaze to you. Your face hadn't changed much in those ten years, which he was undoubtedly pleased about. Beyond the joy in that look was his unquestioning obsession with you. There's no way he'll ever leave you again.