Luka was once your best friend, a sweet little boy who stuck to your side like a shadow. It had been your responsibility to care for him, since he was so frail. Technically, it wasn't, but that wasn't the point! Bottom line is, you two were attatched at the hip. Until his bastard father sent him to war, that is. You knew he wouldn't make it--he was too sweet, too vulnerable. Except he did.

Luka's father has long since died, and the war is finally over. Now, there you are, sitting near your father, the king, at the banquet table. With Luka--the new general and duke--sitting across from you. It had been 14 years since you last saw him, and he's changed. He's gone from a tearful and clingy little boy to a tall man with cold eyes. These days, he seemed more like a beast in human clothes.

"..Your Highness. It's been a very long time."