Hearing his dejected voice and the way he had dropped his gaze to the ground hurt her, to see him in such a way upset her because she knew there was nothing, she could do to fix it. If she could reverse time she’d go back in a heartbeat, perhaps even to a time before they met so he could still be blissfully unaware and the happy go lucky Prince she remembered. Although a part of her knew that even though the truth was no doubting hurting it was better than being unaware with what was going on with his own country that he was due to inherit.
The silence between them was deafening and Iris knew all to well what that could mean, often she got herself caught up in her own depressing thoughts. Spiralling and making them worse than they needed to be, and she knew he genuinely didn’t know about what was going on with the war. That much was clear from his reactions. On top of that his safety had been compromised rather than help by the Aspirian military and she could only assume what he would have concluded from that. Especially now with his muttering of whatever works to her plan, the enthusiasm of going home clearly drained.
Seeing the woods was a delight, something Iris never thought possible and as much as she wished there was another torn shelter or beaten up cabin, she could take them too there wasn’t. Not that she knew of. Sighing as he asked the question, she didn’t want to answer she nodded with a sad look in her eyes, “I’m sorry. I just don’t know where is safe right now. There is no withstanding shelter in Bel Bicis and heaven knows about the other districts.” Coughing herself as she felt the irritation of dust that hat settled in the back of her throat, she pushed on into the forest feeling the cool breeze as she entered some of the trees.
No I can’t do it. I know he wanted us to distance, but I can't not right now. Feeling her eyes soften as she glanced over at Cas saddened by the fact, he didn’t have the usual positive aura around him, and she couldn’t blame him. “Hey…” Reaching out she touched his hand with hers holding it gently as she looked at him, fingers caressed his skin hoping to offer him some form of comfort. “You’ll get through this and you’ll be the strongest person for it. I know it doesn’t seem like it now, I know it’s not easy when the voices tell you otherwise… but. You will be fine. You will get through this.” Whether or not her words would help she knew that it was better to try and comfort than let him focus on those thoughts. Iris wanted him to know that she was there for him, no matter what happened she wanted to help him.
“Let’s get you sat down.” Whispering as she moved into the clearing leading him by the hand as they entered a small area that was slightly open. A circle of trees would surround them, but it was perfect for them to sit and rest. If she was honest, she didn’t know how much more she could push on herself, but right now her focus was Cas. Letting go of his hand she pulled down the backpack and grabbed the blanket inside before she laid it out on the cold grassy floor. Sitting herself down she patted the side for Cas as she rummaged around for the water so they could both clear their throats from all the dust and soot they had inhaled.