Gwayne Hightower 🕸️๋࣭ ⭑

The training yard 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 searched for him in the group and walked toward 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 this morning?"

He didn't answer.

He finished adjusting his sword belt and brushed 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 that 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 waiting for him.

Criston nodded, signaling that it was time to depart.

Gwayne looked at you again.

"Don't follow me," he said in a low voice. "I need to think."

"And you're just going to leave like this?" you asked, hurt.

He hesitated for barely a second.

Then he turned around and walked toward his horse.

He mounted without looking back at you.

Ser Criston gave the order.

The knights began to advance through the fortress gate.

As Gwayne passed in front of you, for an instant it seemed as if he were going to stop.

His hands tightened on the reins.

But he didn't.

He continued riding along with the rest.

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

He saw you standing motionless in the yard.

And by the way he lowered his gaze...

You knew that this goodbye had hurt him as much as it had hurt you.