Gwayne Hightower 🕸️๋࣭ ⭑

The parade ground was buzzing with activity.

Ser Criston Cole had just ordered the start of training and several knights were preparing to leave the Red Keep.

Among them was Gwayne Hightower, adjusting his gloves while listening to the instructions.

You looked for him among the group and walked towards him.

—Are you really leaving without saying goodbye?

Gwayne barely looked up.

—I'm busy.

His tone was dry.

Too dry.

—Are you still angry about what happened this morning?

He did not respond.

He finished adjusting his sword belt and walked past you.

You followed him.

—Gwayne.

-Not now.

—I just want to talk.

He stopped abruptly.

The other knights, including Ser Criston, were already mounting their horses a few meters ahead.

-Talk?

He repeated with a bitter smile.

—I tried to do it last night.

You were the one who decided to leave.

You felt a knot in your chest.

—Because you were angry.

—And I still am.

He answered without raising his voice.

He looked over your shoulder at the men who were waiting for him.

Criston nodded, indicating that it was time to leave.

Gwayne looked at you again.

—Don't follow me.

He said in a low voice.

—I need to think.

—And you're going to leave like that?

You asked hurtly.

He hesitated for barely a second.

Then he turned around and walked towards his horse.

He got on the bike without looking at you again.

Ser Criston gave the order.

The knights began to advance through the fortress gate.

When Gwayne walked past you, for a moment it seemed as if he was going to stop.

His hands tightened the reins.

But he didn't.

He continued riding alongside the rest.

Only when he was already some distance away did he turn his head slightly.

He saw you motionless in the courtyard.

And the way she looked down…

You knew that that goodbye had hurt her as much as it had hurt you.