Laverna slipped onto the balcony, the night air hitting her like a quiet wave. It was cool, crisp, and untouched by laughter or royal banter.
The moon hung low, fat and golden. It cast silver shadows over the stone path.
Crickets chirped somewhere in the bushes. Their song was rhythmic and grounding.
She exhaled slowly.
The balcony rail was cool beneath her fingertips as she leaned forward, overlooking the courtyard below. Her fingers laced together on the stone ledge.
For a moment, she didn't move. She didn't think.
She just existed, letting the stars witness her silence. Her shoulders slumped.
She welcomed the fresh air into her lungs. The wind tossed her hair gently as she crossed her arms.
That was a lot in a short amount of time. Images of ripping the Queen's throat continued to plague her mind.
What a foolish woman, she thought, glancing at her nails. They had elongated so fast, her mind diving into fight mode.
Thank heavens Shin had been there, or there was no telling what she would have done without his calming link, keeping her grounded. That could have gone south so quickly, and only he would know.
At least, she hoped. The Guild Master was most likely well-versed in body language, or at least trained to recognize signs of danger.
She had certainly not been the most friendly in those moments. Her mind slowly slipped into a calm warmth as she gazed into the sky.
She enjoyed the freedom. She had been locked up for so long that simply leaving a room without fear of retaliation was delightful.
A soft smile escaped her lips as she bathed in the essence of it. Then she took a deep breath.
Why did kindness feel heavier than cruelty?
Inside, it was easy to put on a face. Smile. Nod.
Pretend the world hadn't broken her. Pretend the warmth didn't terrify her more than blades ever could.
She looked at her hands. So many sins. So much blood.
And yet… that woman, Queen Mariam, had embraced her like she was just a lost niece. Like Laverna was salvageable.
Her throat tightened. She hated that it mattered.
Hated that she wanted to believe in it. Footsteps approached, soft, light, but confident.
She didn't flinch. She already knew.
"Shin," she said without looking.
He didn't speak right away. Just stood beside her, gazing at the same stars.
"I thought I'd give you your moment," he said eventually. "But I figured… sometimes, company helps."
She nodded, still facing the moon. "It's weird."
"What is?"
"This... family thing. Affection. Forgiveness. I don't know how to hold it. It keeps slipping through."
He stood beside her. Close, but not pressing.
"You don't have to hold it," he said. "Just let it hold you for once."
That got a soft, sad laugh from her. "You're getting wise in your old age."
"I'm literally two years older than you."
She smiled at that. A real one, however small.
They sat in silence again. The wind picked up, scattering petals around them.
One landed in her hair. Shin leaned over, gently brushing it away.
She froze for half a second. But then… relaxed.
Maybe it was okay to be touched now and then. He looked at her eyes as if he stared deep into her soul. He asked again, softer this time, "Are you okay?"
Laverna swallowed, her eyes glossy under the moonlight. "No," she whispered. "But I'm getting there."
It was odd having a tether to the man. In her gut, she knew that no matter where either of them went, they would be able to find each other.
She slipped the smile back on and glanced at him. "Shall we head to the other room?"
When she returned from her mental respite, he shook his head at her question. "Let's stay here for a while. It's better if we're both ready, am I right?"
Yes, it was indeed strange that they both had tethers to one another because of the Slave Crest bestowed upon him. He sighed, not wanting to have her bound like this, but in this case, he had no choice.
Her condition required it. In his vision, she was a walking corpse.
Though her wounds were slowly healing, it wasn't enough for him to release her... not yet. To her surprise, Shin did not seem ready to leave.
She could feel something through the tether but refused to open her end and allow him full access. The fact that he already had so much power irked her.
She was unrestrained, but not truly free. The leash pulled ever so slightly, a constant reminder.
Still, appreciation lingered in her core as she nodded, a soft sign of relief escaping her. Laverna had no idea what to expect from the Festival. She had never attended one herself.
The Lichtensteins would host them, but she was always locked away. Left to clean up the mess afterward.
He held her hand, helping ease her mind. He smiled, enjoying the fresh air.
The distant music from the ballroom floated in the background as the festivities continued. His familiar scent filled her senses as her body grew even laxer.
How odd, she thought. A warmth filled her hand, moving quickly through her body.
It always happened when they were close, intensifying with touch. Then there was his scent. To her, it was intoxicating.
Was it the crest? Or was it simply Shin himself?
He was strong, no doubt, but his energy had something else she couldn't place. Was he constantly manipulating it to ease those around him?
Or did it come naturally? She realized she had been staring.
The cool air kissed her skin again, goosebumps rising in its wake. He watched the people below. Some chatting, others watching performers, a few kissing.
Various characters roamed about. It reminded him of the people from his youth.
A bit of nostalgia settled in. At least, the good kind.
"I'm sorry if everything's a bit sudden, Laverna. I think it's just the way the royal family is."
He looked into the distance as the wind blew, the cool breeze soothing their minds. "I don't blame them. Seems they got the news too late, as we saw in their expressions."
He sighed, shaking his head as he glanced at her. "I feel uneasy about this. I know the royal family plans to give the Lichtenstein lands to us, but... I don't know if we should trust them. Feels too good to be true, right?"
He leaned on the balcony, pausing. "What do you think?"
He asked, releasing her hand after realizing he'd been holding it for quite a while.