Horse Eden : Imperial WBs x West

Rhys was paying attention to every little detail and sound, his gaze occasionally flitting to the sky, then out at the paths, then back to where it usually rested... Phoebe.

Rhys' eyes drifted towards Phoebe's face, illuminated only by starlight, as she basked in the gentle breeze. He sensed her unease about being discovered together, but his presence seemed to calm her. He felt a pang of surprise – people rarely felt at ease around him. He stood vigilantly still, aware of the night sounds around them, his senses heightened from years of living on edge. Phoebe's openness was fascinating; he'd observed her from afar, but never seen this vulnerable side. Her emotions seemed to dictate her actions, leaving her guarded yet strangely approachable. Rhys' own emotional walls were deeply entrenched – a result of his brutal upbringing – but Phoebe's presence stirred something within him. Again, he felt, the cold heart of his was cracking, opening up. Although he wasn't sure he wanted it to, he still also felt that warm feeling somewhere, and he knew he wanted more of that. To feel safe enough to actually talk to someone was something many people took for granted. He did not. He hadn't had a real conversation with someone in years.

He met her gaze as she tilted her chin upwards, their eyes locking in the darkness. Rhys felt a jolt – her stare was intense, as if searching for something hidden deep within him. He held her gaze, his expression gentle, yet guarded. Phoebe's whispered question – "What's going on in that head of yours, Rhys?" – hung in the air like a challenge. Rhys sensed she desired truth, not evasion. His mind raced with possible responses, but something about Phoebe's sincerity stayed his usual defenses. He paused, choosing words carefully, aware that this moment could shift the delicate balance between them. He would've almost always played it off, maybe only told the half truth, but he felt as if .. well... he shouldn't lie to her. He couldn't. It just felt way more wrong. However, as he watched her, he knew he couldn't let her get too deep. His past was a chasm of pain, sorrow, suffering, horror. He was not going to let her fall face first in that thinking she wanted to know the real him... because she didn't.

Rhys' gaze drifted off, his eyes scanning the darkness as if searching for the right words. He rubbed his temples, a habitual gesture when deep in thought or struggling with emotions. His voice barely above a whisper, he began.

"....It's.... complicated, Phoebe. My mind is a labyrinth of thoughts, scars.... physical and emotional." He paused, biting the inside of his cheek, a faint gleam of moonlight catching the subtle movement. "I've grown accustomed to solitude... learned to prefer silence and darkness because it meant safety." Rhys' eyes returned to Phoebe's face, his expression intense yet.. slightly uncertain. "Your presence... I don't know why... but it's eating away at the walls around me... and it's like shadows are shifting and some light is being shone on what used to be a ebony black world." He trailed off, his voice quiet and low with unspoken thoughts, wondering why he was even speaking. She'd most likely just laugh at him, or tell him that the last day was just a fluke, or ... something. Nothing ever went right for him; he didn't know why he expected that now.

"...memories of my past linger like the burns on my skin, always reminding me of how terrible people can be. The world is a dark place, and I've seen the darkest parts. But... you..." He paused again, frustration sparking his mind, as he could't seem to think up the right words. He had never been good at simple conversations, and now he was laying a little bit of light to the darkest parts of him, showing a hint of his true self. Trying to, anyway, and failing miserably. "You're the light to my dark, the lamp in a maze of inky blackness. You provide warmth to places that have been frozen for years. I don't want that feeling to go away." He finally mumbled, finishing, feeling his walls- the shallower ones- crumble around him. It was a risky move he took. He had said things that he hadn't ever said to another person in his life. Yet... he felt it necessary. He awaited her response silently, gaze flitting around, not landing on her as much anymore.

His brain was murky with thoughts, but they were quickly washed away by the sound of galloping horses. He immediately inhaled slightly, his gaze sharpening as he focused his eyes on the stables. They darkened slightly, the glitter disappearing a little, as every muscle in his body tightened. That meant Atius and the king returned, which could mean.. trouble. To say the least. He felt half thankful and half sorrowful as she let go of his hand, but he knew it had to be done. Really, he needed to leave- he wouldn't, but he should. If they were found together, she may be able to think up an excuse that'll work for then, but ... not forever. He would be on the two men's radar for the rest of his time as a servant here. It may even be worse than that. Worry sparked in his gaze as he shifted back slightly into the shadows of a tall bush, not moving any further, his stance wary yet firm, conveying a clear message. Although he didn't want to get found, he was not going to leave her.

Imperial WBs x West

November 29, 2024 05:05 PM

Imperial Warmbloods

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Phoebe Nightlingale

⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆

She remained directly beside Rhys as he spoke, maintaining unwavering eye contact to the best of her ability. Phoebe felt slightly reassured when he lifted a hand to rub his temple; she deemed it an indication that he was truly considering being honest with her, which was precisely what happened. The biting of his inner cheek and the hesitance in his voice spoke volumes to her, so much so that she was almost tempted to intervene and tell him he didn`t have to share. She refused to make him uncomfortable or feel forced to tell her things, especially when they were as important and personal as this. Her heart warmed when he described the way she had shed some light on his life, something she had always wanted to do for people; she had already done this with countless other people given her personality, but since it was Rhys.. it made it all the more special. Whenever he would trail off, she always maintained a curious yet gentle expression, waiting patiently and giving him all the time in the world.

At his next string of words, Phoebe`s eyes widened, her expression revealing that she honestly had not expected him to say something like that. Not only had he beautifully described her as the light in his darkness, but had also admitted that he didn`t want the feeling to flutter away. She felt honored and almost proud that she was able to have the same effect on him that he had on her. Phoebe had an inkling that he was more than aware of how affected her, which was precisely why she did not feel the need to verbalize her own thoughts. After a few moments and once she was certain he was meeting her gaze again, she whispered, her voice portraying how much she genuinely meant it, ``I will be your light then, Rhys. For as long as you need.``

She could immediately tell when Rhys also noticed the nearby arrivals of both General Atius and her father. It made her feel a tad upset to be reminded of what could potentially happen if they were seen out here together, regardless of whether or not she persuaded them that she was simply apprehensive of wandering the grounds alone. Phoebe watched quietly as he seemed to gravitate towards the shadows and sensed his cautious, uncertain behavior. The fact that he seemed unwavering in where he stood near her made her feel a little reassured; it would seem he refused to leave her alone out here. Of course, she knew that it was mostly because of General Atius and the threats he had told her earlier, but she still appreciated it. She glanced over towards the barn again and sighed heavily when the lights flicked on, tensing at the sosund of the familiar voices ringing out from within. She did not want this moment between her and Rhys to end, yet she wanted to prioritize his safety over all else. If he wanted to go, she would let him and, truth be told, she would return to her room; she wanted to avoid Atius at all costs.

``We can head inside,`` Phoebe offered, trying her best to not make it sound like a command or order of sorts; she probably did not even have to worry about it, yet here she was. With a final glance towards the barn, she turned to face him fully, her eyes still gentle and expression soft as it had been a few moments prior. It was always a risk to be near him like this, but she was determined to always take that risk. In her opinion, Rhys was worth it.. he was worth anything, in her opinion. She did not know whether it stemmed from the newfound friendship and solace she had found in him or merely because it was Rhys she was taking the risk for. Phoebe knew that he faced far more consequences than she did if they were ever found together like this, but she silently swore that night that she would protect him from the greedy and selfish fangs of the royals to the best of her ability.

(Aw, dang. No need to apologize for it; it`s happened to me before.)

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December 1, 2024 09:51 AM

Wild West Warmbloods

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Rhys' gaze lingered on Phoebe's face, illuminated only by the soft moonlight. Her promise to be his light had struck a chord deep within him, and he felt his carefully constructed walls begun to crumble. He didn't know why or how he said what he did, but Phoebe just replied - she REPLIED - and she said she - gosh. That had really actually surprised him. He wasn't exactly expecting that. He was taken aback by the intensity of his emotions, but he couldn't deny the sense of wonder and gratitude that filled his chest. As he looked at Phoebe, he felt like he was seeing her for the first time. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds in the moonlight, and her skin glowed with a soft, ethereal light. He was captivated by her beauty- which was hard, since he never cared about appearances... hence not giving a crap about all his scars- but it was more than that. He was drawn to her kindness, her compassion, and her unwavering determination.

He sucked in a small breath and looked away from her face, fixing his gaze on the clouds for a moment before letting out his breath. Life was complicated. His mind was swirling, but he tried to focus. Rhys' voice was low and rough as he finally spoke, his words slow and deliberate. "Your words.... they mean more than you know." He stated quietly. "You're the first person to ever... make me feel like I'm not completely alone in the world." Something short, to the point, meaningful, and quiet, considering the men were in the barn. As he stood there, his eyes fixed on Phoebe's face, his mind couldn't help but wander to the men in the barn. He could hear the sound of their voices, the clanging of metal, and the rustling of hay. His instincts told him that they were getting closer, that they would soon be upon them.

Rhys's jaw clenched, a tick appearing. He felt a surge of protectiveness towards Phoebe, a desire to shield her from the men and their malicious intentions. He knew that General Atius and the king were not to be trusted, that they would stop at nothing to get what they wanted.

As he stood there, Rhys's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing the darkness as if searching for any sign of movement. His muscles tensed, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. He was a servant, but he was also a survivor, and he would do whatever it took to keep Phoebe safe. He had decided that it didn't matter what happened to him. At least for now, he could stay by her side.

He nodded slightly at her words, still tense as he brought his gaze back to her. As she turned to go inside, he did too, walking silently forward, putting himself in between her and the barn. He had no power here, really, but that wasn't going to stop him from pretending.

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December 1, 2024 01:17 PM

Imperial Warmbloods

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Phoebe Nightlingale

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Phoebe observed every nuance in his expression ensuing her verbalization, her heart feeling warmer than it had prior. She had wanted more than anything to feel as if she genuinely had a role in life that was other than being the disappointing, unwanted princess, and Rhys had made her feel like what he had described her as: a light in his darkness. It made her feel blissful- truly blissful- for the first time in her life, his words catalyzing the sentiments swelling in her heart. For the first time in her life, she had genuinely done something; she did not care if Rhys was who he was- a servant- since all that mattered to her was the unwavering fact that she had given him companionship and someone to lean on if need be.

When Rhys visibly tensed and clenched his jaw, Phoebe knew that it had been a good idea to go elsewhere; being near her father and the general were making both of them uneasy, especially due to the possible repercussions. She observed the small nod of agreement he gave her before turning on her heels to walk towards the castle itself, casting a final glance in the direction of her father and General Atius. Phoebe was silent as they walked back towards the way they came, occasionally shifting her gaze onto Rhys to silently observe him. In the moment, she had not realized nor even noticed the way he seemed to put himself between her and the barn, an apparent sign of.. protection. Although they had exchanged incredibly paramount words and emotions, she still would have thought she was misreading him if she noticed what he seemed to be doing.

She felt as if she needed to reply to his earlier words, yet she remained quiet. Phoebe had to think- genuinely think- about what she was contemplating regarding what to say; she wore her heart and emotions on her sleeve, but her thoughts were things that no one could ever truly guess correctly. Although Rhys was skilled at reading her, there were some things that needed to be said aloud and confirmed, not presumed. She exhaled before she spoke, quietly just in case Atius and her father were close enough to hear their voices, ``Truth be told, I`ve felt alone countless of times. It got to the point where I was desperately trying to make friends to no avail, sometimes going to the lengths of enduring the political rants and eloquent speeches of other royals.``

She paused after her long string of words, allowing Rhys the opportunity to speak or simply process them. Her gaze drifted back to him as she met his gaze once more, hers softening noticeably after a few seconds; she wanted him to know she was being honest and sincere, even if her words were sufficient enough to prove it. Phoebe looked away from him again and focused on where they were heading before she spoke up again, ``I was everything my parents and the others wanted early on in my life, yet things changed. It`s.. bewildering to know how one event can change someone so much to the point that no one wants them anymore. Although it was not my fault, it feels like it was.``

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December 1, 2024 04:40 PM

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As Phoebe spoke, Rhys's gaze remained fixed on her, his eyes drinking in every word, every emotion that played across her face. He listened intently, his expression softening as he heard the pain and vulnerability in her voice. Rhys's jaw clenched slightly as Phoebe mentioned her parents and the others, his mind racing with anger and resentment towards those who had hurt her. But as he looked into her eyes, he saw the deep-seated pain and insecurity that lingered within her, and his anger gave way to compassion and understanding. As Phoebe paused, Rhys's eyes never left hers, his gaze holding a deep sense of empathy and connection. He knew what it was like to feel alone, to be rejected and unwanted. He knew the pain of being treated like a servant, a mere object to be used and discarded. Rhys's voice was low and gentle as he spoke, his words barely above a whisper. "I know how it feels to be unwanted, Phoebe. To be treated like you're nothing more than a piece of property. But you are so much more than that. You are strong, brave, and beautiful. And you deserve to be loved and cherished for who you are." As Rhys spoke, his eyes burned with intensity, his gaze holding a deep sense of conviction and sincerity. He meant every word he said, and he hoped that Phoebe could see the truth in his eyes.

Rhys knew he was taking a ginormous risk in saying all this, in confessing to things he had kept hidden for years. He knew he could be killed for his words. He knew if anyone overheard them, it'd be the end to it all. But... he didn't care. Not anymore. He was so sick of people telling him what to do, when to do it, who to talk to. So sick of feeling like he needed to be closed off to protect himself. So sick of hiding who he was for no reason. He had been hurt, ridiculed, abused, hunted his whole life, and he was done hiding and letting someone else take the reins. For once, he was going to do what he wanted. He was going to spend time with Phoebe because she made him feel like a real human being, someone with emotions and feelings, someone that deserved to be talked to. He was going to do everything he could to help her because he wanted to. Because it was the right thing.

As she spoke, his gaze remained focused on her, his dark eyes glittering slightly in the moonlight, which fell across his face in such a way where the scar across his cheek was visible, but his twinkling eyes drowned out everything else. If you looked past the pain and scars, you could find a handsome, charming, caring person with a real personality past 'don't talk to me'. He listened intently, his expression softening slightly as he heard the pain and vulnerability in her voice. He knew that feeling well, knew exactly what she was talking about. As she paused, his gaze never left hers, holding a deep rooted understanding that most people would never understand. He knew what it was like to feel alone, to be rejected and unwanted. He knew the pain of being treated like a servant, a mere object to be used and discarded. That was his everyday life. They could help each other, he knew it, she knew it.

He exhaled quietly after she stopped, opening his mouth to speak, his words quiet. "I know how it feels to be unwanted. I will never undersand it, but I know what you're dealing with. But one part of that isn't true." He stated, his footsteps slow and silent as he paused, contemplating his next words. "You are wanted. You're the closest thing to a friend I've ever had. You've managed to do things others have only dreamed of- not even I have made myself smile as much in the last 10 years as you have in the last 2 days." He continued quietly, his words not hesitant, but firm, as if he knew what he wanted to say before now. "Whatever happened, whatever you think you did, it wasn't your fault. I do not give out these words lightly. I would not say this to everyone. I wouldn't say it to anyone, really. You are special, you are better than you think, and I can only hope that I can show you that over time." He finished, his gaze flitting to hers again before he opened the door that led inside, eyes flitting around. After he made sure there was no one else around, he followed her inside and let it quietly click shut.

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December 2, 2024 10:31 AM

Imperial Warmbloods

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Phoebe Nightlingale

⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆

Phoebe had never truly expected to ever connect with Rhys in such a meaningful way, yet that was precisely what was unfolding at the moment. She felt grateful for the way he observed her as she spoke, presumably taking mental notes of the small nuances in her expression; she did not mind being an open book, at least for him anyways. Her eyes widened slightly at the last few words that he spoke, which had clearly surprised her even if he had said them before. It felt nice being reminded of it, however, and she would cherish each and every one of the words he said, especially those ones. Phoebe had a small hunch that he was more than aware of what could potentially happen if any living soul overheard his words.. The mere idea of the rumors, speculations, and even punishments made her feel uneasy; she knew she should warn him in some way, but she also knew that would create a rift, something she had only managed to eradicate recently.

When Phoebe looked at Rhys, she always saw this cold, reserved individual that wanted nothing more than to be left alone. Of course, her opinion was a substantial contrast to that now that she has seen this side of him, the side that was understanding, warm, and compassionate. It was the side of him that she would cherish and do her best to protect, maybe even kindle it. She knew how dangerous it was to be in such a dark state of mind for far too long and the thought that he had felt so alone and empty for years pained her greatly. It was then that she felt like they were in this for the long run, at least from her perspective; she had already promised herself that she would help him, regardless of the circumstances and for however long it was necessary.

Truth be told, she was used to royals pinning the blame on her for coping the way she did regarding the accident, that she could have done far better instead of isolating herself and refusing to leave the castle grounds. For nearly a year, her life had been ruled by unwavering paranoia and anxiety, the fear of the unknown and the possibility of the accident reoccuring anchoring her in the confines of her room. The only person that was willing to even spend time with her- excluding the idiotic counselor her parents had hired- was Morana. However, even she could barely handle being with her for elongated periods of time. Phoebe back then had not been the normal one, always acting reserved and even harsh at times; any attempt at help was promptly rejected while yelling matches had become a common occurence. The memories of how she had acted back then and how the accident had affected her.. it pained her immensely. Even today, small reminders were more than enough to send her down a mental spiral of apprehension and anxiety; the bloody scene from yesterday was a prime example of that. Rhys` words did lighten the weight it had on her, but only barely; some things would take years to mend, if it even was possible in the first place.

Phoebe did not expect the following words he said, nearly halting in her place from surprise. She should have expected it, yet she clearly had not; it took her a few moments to regain her bearings and continue walking at his pace. Rhys had practically called her a friend while simultaneously reassuring her that she was wanted, actually making progress with him, and while also calling her special. Phoebe knew either she was going insane or she was doing it: she was genuinely helping him without even realizing that she was already successful. A small smile creeped onto her face as she looked up at him, meeting those dark yet intricately colored eyes that made her feel seen and protected. She whispered softly before she stepped inside, her gaze still gentle, ``Thank you, Rhys. Your words mean more than you know.``

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December 6, 2024 09:37 AM

Wild West Warmbloods

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Rhys glanced around once more, his gaze locking on each small moving item, every one of his senses hyperactive. He listened for footsteps and watched for movement. Nothing escaped his piercing gaze, nothing went unnoticed... he would not let anything sneak up on them, and he refused to get distracted. He kept his mind focused on her, but everything else was focused on the outside world.

He was definitely an enigma. Mysteries wrapped up in more mysteries, enclosed in a shield of steel and metal walls. On the outside, he was a cold, calculated person, but on the inside, he was gentle and compassionate. Completely different personalities, put together, intwined, one dominating and hiding the other. Carefully cultivated over years, twisted and tweaked until it was perfect. He had constructed his outward personality with great care, making it so there was no cracks. He wanted to be seen as someone who didn't want to be talked to, someone who could live each day without human interaction, someone with NO weaknesses. He wanted to be seen as not a target. He had accomplished that... practically everyone thought he was just a 6'5 wall of steel with no emotions whatsoever. Although that was what he WANTED, it was also extremely lonely at times. He had spent so much time thinking about exactly how to get people NOT to like him, he completely forgot about the fact that he was still a human and he still had emotions that still needed to be expressed. He would've probably gone mad in another couple years, but ... maybe he didn't have to worry about that now. Maybe Phoebe meant what she said- that she was here to stay. That she actually wanted to be within 100 foot radius of him, unlike the rest of the general population.

He had spent so long using his cold personality that he completely forgot what it was like to be himself. He had always wanted to just go live his life and have a friend or two and not worry about being killed for looking at someone. However, that would never happen, would it? He would never be able to do any of that, so he would have to keep his focus on the one positive thing that came into his life- Phoebe.

As she whispered her thanks, he moved his gaze from everything else to her, locking his eyes on hers, his gaze softening even further. The faint moonlight that had illuminated their conversation outside now gave way to the dim, soft lights of the castle's corridors. Yet, even in the relative darkness, Rhys' eyes seemed to bore into her very soul, as if seeking to understand the depths of her emotions.

As she stepped inside, he followed closely behind, glancing outside one more time before letting the door click shut. He felt a sense of protectiveness wash over him, a desire to shield her from the world and keep her safe. His muscles tensed, his hand instinctively going to the dagger at his waist, as if ready to defend her against any threat that might arise... although he could never use it to do what he needed to do. The dagger comforted him, as he knew he could physically protect himself, but he was not comforted knowing he couldn't emotionally protect her.

As they stepped into the quiet calm of the castle, he felt a slight sense of peace settle over him. All the faint sounds, the worry, it all faded into the background, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a world of their own creation. He knew that they still had to be careful, that General Atius and the king were still a threat. But for now, on thus moment, he felt a sense of slight hope that he had never felt before. It was as if the very darkness that had haunted him for so long had finally begun to recede, revealing a glimmer of light that he had never thought possible. "I will always have more words... positive ones, at that." He smiled faintly. After suppressing what he wanted to say for years, he could always think up something useful.

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December 9, 2024 12:04 AM

Imperial Warmbloods

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Phoebe Nightlingale

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Phoebe was incredibly grateful while simultaneously feeling comforted by the vigilant demeanor that Rhys was displaying, reassured knowing that he was looking out for her as much as she was for him. Of course, she could only truly defend him with her eloquent words and fabricated lies while he could protect her physically, their strengths covering each other`s weaknesses. She did not have a natural way with her words, yet her status as the princess was more than enough to evoke credibility and trust within those that even dared to question her actions. These reassurances could only work for so long, however. It was nearly impossible to keep anything a secret within the castle grounds, hidden lurkers and falsly distracted passerby practically lingering around every corner.. Even a simple friendship such as the one she shared with Rhys was more than worthy enough to be reported to her parents. It made her feel a little sick when she realized the general would be the one to carry out the punishment for both of them or merely Rhys.

Her gaze seemingly refocused on Rhys` just in time for her to catch the way his gaze softened at her words of gratitude, her heart warming just a tad. She still felt so accomplished and proud for making this much progress with him in the span of two days, a feat she would never forget any time soon. Phoebe was simply glad that she had found a friend and- more specifically- someone that she could truly help. She found herself wondering why he was always so cold and reserved, preferring to be alone instead of surrounded by friends and maybe something as simple as other servants. He had referred to experiences that had clearly scarred him both phsyically and emotionally, so she found herself pondering what they could have possibly been. It was far too soon to outright ask him such an inquiry, so she restrained herself and focused on their current topic: the words of comfort he had shared.

They truly had already been engraved in her memory, every syllable and the way he pronounced each word accompanied by his tone of voice. Phoebe would cherish and remember every moment and memory she was able to share with Rhys and, although she knew that her promise of being there for him could never truly always remain unbroken, keep her promise for as long as she could regardless of the circumstances. She never wanted to lose nor forget the way Rhys made her feel: heard, wanted, and the way he had managed to warm the parts of her that used to feel so cold and empty. Phoebe stiffened slightly when she saw him reach for the dagger out of her peripheral vision- an instinctual response- before she relaxed after flitting her gaze around; he was simply being cautious.

Her lips curled upwards in yet another smile, a soft laugh escaping her at the idea of him sharing more positive words. Although she knew he was being serious, she still found it a tad comical that it was Rhys of all people saying these things. Phoebe looked up at him with her gentle gaze before she lead the way through the serpentine hallways, pausing and listening before rounding every corner. Although Atius and her father had been outside, the chances of them being inside were far greater now; it would be harder to come up with an excuse if they were seen here, especially when Rhys was supposed to be in his quarters by now. To worsen things, she knew how often royals impulsively decided to leave their rooms to take a stroll through the castle in an attempt to clear their minds, not confident enough to wander outside at night by themselves.

The last thing she wanted at this moment, however, was to depart from Rhys` side and say goodbye again, a little scared that all of this beautiful progress would be gone. She felt a little silly for worrying so much about it since Rhys seemed to be completely honest and sincere with her now that they had erased the rift between them. Phoebe knew better than anyone how fragile any kind of relationship was and how one seemingly insignificant event could change everything; that was her greatest fear, especially when she had already experienced it herself. The reminder made her shvier although the halls of the castle were warmer due to the shelter from the frigid winds outside.

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