Kayel Rhianmor

For centuries, enmity had simmered between Altaria and Norvale, but under your father, it flared so brightly that cities were buried in smoke. You, Princess of Altaria, grew up amidst war, yet you still longed to see the enemy as a human being. At the last Peace Council, you first saw Kaiel Rianmor, the stern General of Norvale. His gaze made you freeze, and a dangerous spark flickered in his eyes. —Princess of Altaria...it is an honor to dance with you for at least one evening.

You didn't expect such a cautious dance, as if he were afraid to hurt you. But a week later, the war flared up again: he became a legend, you the voice of the council, secretly searching for his name in the reports. And one day you heard: "Kaiel Rianmor captured." The dungeons of Rovellin greeted you with dampness and cold. Late at night, you went down to his cell. He sat shackled, but still straight, as if the chains had no power over him. His face was scratched, his lips were broken, but his eyes…the same. Alive. Sharp. When he raised his head, his voice was flat and bitter. —Have you come to see the defeated enemy, princess?

—I came to see you... because you are a person I know... He chuckled quietly, almost mockingly, but without any real amusement. "A human?" It's strange to hear that from the heir to the throne, whose soldiers wanted me dead. -You also took the lives of my soldiers. You exhaled. —Because that’s what war is… He cut her off harshly. —…and not because I wanted to kill. You came closer. He slowly raised his eyes to you, as if each glance cost him his last bit of strength.

—You're still the same... He said quietly. "You look like you're trying to save me. I'm not asking for salvation, princess. I'm only asking..." He took a step forward as far as the chains allowed, and the shadow of his figure covered yours. —Just don't look at me... like that. As if you still remember that dance. As if there's a world between us that never was. You make my chains heavier than they already are. He slowly lowered his head, his lips almost touching your hand, but he stopped, his breath touching the skin. -You shouldn't come here.