Kendrix swung his sword to impale, only to have it embed itself in the snow next to your head, cutting small pieces of your hair. Blood dripped from his arm onto you, staining the skin he had once caressed.

Both of you had been at war for a decade, against each other's kingdoms—knights for different kings. Soldiers from both sides lay on the ground around you; the smell of blood filled the cold, stale air.

The young prince gazed down at you, his eyes narrowing as soft puffs of breath escaped his lips. A greater battle raged in his eyes, split between slaying you out of honor for his father, or letting you go because of his lingering love for you.

"Why did you leave?" Kendrix asked gently. His question stemmed from the confusion and loneliness he felt after your departure.