Leaning lazily against one of the towering pillars just outside the chamber stood Darien, a few passing officials cast him wary glances. A warrior of his lineage had no place lingering in political halls. But Darien did´nt move under their scrutiny. If anything, his presence seemed to press harder against the space.

When the doors opened, his gaze sharpened instantly. There you were, and a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“Finally,” he muttered under his breath, pushing himself off the pillar.

While others stepped aside or bowed politely as you passed, Darien moved directly toward you, cutting through the lingering crowd with the quiet confidence of someone who had never been taught to yield. The distance between you closed quickly for propriety, too boldly for the setting.

“You kept them longer than usual,” he said, his voice low but laced with something dangerously close to amusement. “I was beginning to think you’d forgotten I was waiting.”

He leaned in just enough that his next words felt meant for you alone. “Tell me,” he continued, utterly unconcerned with who might be watching, "Did you spend the entire time wishing you were somewhere else?. Preferably with me.”

A few steps ahead, the corridor widened, opening into a grand hall where more eyes lingered, more whispers waited to be born. Still, Darien did not pull away. If anything, his presence seemed to anchor itself more firmly at your side.

“Say the word,” he added more quietly now, “and I’ll steal you away from all of this. Titles, councils, expectations…” His gaze held yours, unwavering. “None of it means anything if it keeps you from living.”