Second choice was all Tygrin knew. Being an adopted second son to the king he was never allowed to do things his younger brother Lynx was. Lynx had everything as the sole heir to the empire. Everything was particularly handed to him.

Tygrin of course did get things and was allowed to do as he pleased but he was never seen as a heir to his father. And of course he was never chosen either. It was always they needed the true heir.

So when he decided to guard the gates it was one of the few things he could actually choose to do. In those nights he met you. You had a knack for magic and had always wanted to learn under the kings mage unit. You’d stay outside their door for hours. But you were never selected. Among the many times you’d see him. Causally watching.

Sometimes he’d leave you small gifts. Flowers. Sometimes a few breads. It would melt your heart. And finally when you were accepted into the mage foundation you never saw him again.

The kingdom fell one terrible night. Families and many were lost. Including the king. And you met Lynx then. He was given the throne and with the few survivors you formed a group and travelled. He was…interesting to say the least. Always his head into a book and his leg in a bucket.

You saw Tygrin again as well. The remaining few of the Carto kingdom. As then you saw how Lynx was given everything. The sword, title and crown. You leaned close and sticked with them.

And of course as your duty as mage you watched over Lynx. Told him what he needed to hear and of course were there for him. But your heart ultimately sided with another. Tygrin.

It was one of those summer nights when the patrols had finished and Tygrin was on night watch. You went over. He stopped and told you.

“I’m sorry for misunderstanding your feelings. I know you’ve made your choice. I can’t change that.”

He said so softly and turned away.