[table][row][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/WQjDp9F.png[/img][/cell][cell][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/240501/f05a736427987502b04e7512136c14ae.png[/img][/cell][/row]
[row][cell][sub]Location: Royal Residence[/sub][/cell][/row][/table]Flynn’s eyes lit up the moment the word [i]“all”[/i] left her lips. A rush of selfish excitement washed over him at the thought of having her by his side all day. It wasn’t just that he could use the help—though he certainly could—it was that he wanted her there. He wanted to know she was safe beside him. He wanted to enjoy her company. To have someone with him who wasn’t just serious, no-nonsense Orion—who, frankly, wasn’t [i]nearly[/i] as easy on the eyes.

But beyond his own desires, pride settled deep within him at her answer. Despite everything, she chose to step forward rather than retreat, to take on more responsibility instead of shrink from it. She was resilient—just as he’d known she was.

However, his smile faded when she mentioned the prisoner. His brows furrowed, a slight frown tugging at his lips as contradictions caught in his mind. The stranger had helped Amaya—yet he’d found himself in a cell for treason.

Confusion flickered across Flynn’s face as yesterday’s events replayed in his mind. [i]Halcyon[/i]. That was the name he’d given at the tavern. He’d made insinuations about Flynn’s family, even told Flynn to call him [i]brother[/i]. He nearly shuddered at the memory of those ghostly eyes looking back at him. 

The treason wasn’t surprising, but helping Amaya? Perhaps whatever game he was playing only involved being a thorn in the side of Aurelians. Flynn supposed, for the moment, it was a relief that Halcyon would only target him if given the chance. 

Then Amaya’s voice softened, and his focus snapped back to her—spiraling thoughts frozen mid sentence as she lowered her gaze away from his. 

For a heartbeat, he just looked at her. He wanted to say something that would lift the weight from her expression—to remind her that she didn’t have to carry so much guilt. That the knight had fulfilled his oath and bought her and Elara precious moments to escape. 

But a knight [i]had[/i] given his life for her. A person. Not a mere obligation to be dismissed—sworn by oath or not. No words seemed sufficient to honor that sacrifice.

[color=337d71]“We’ll make time,”[/color] he promised, certain of it. [color=337d71]“He’ll receive the honor he deserves.”[/color]

He longed to pull her closer, to make her forget all her worries. He longed for her to help him forget his. 

But instead, he swallowed the impulse, letting out a quiet breath as he stood. Turning to face her, he extended his hand, palm up—another invitation. His lips tilted into a soft smile.

[color=337d71]“Come on, beautiful,”[/color] he said, his tone warm. [color=337d71]“Let’s get dressed. Then we’ll head out.”[/color]

[hr]
[Sub][b]Interactions:[/b] Amaya [@c3p-0h][/sub]