—Sargis’s POV—
I had shut myself off entirely.
I tried to get drunk. But alcohol was a poor cure for a shattered heart. No matter how many bottles I went through, the ache stayed lodged in my chest like a cursed relic.
Lupercus checked in from time to time, bringing updates and whatever pieces of the outside world he deemed I couldn’t ignore. Mostly council matters, minor disturbances at the borders, and a few strategic reports I only half-listened to.
Seven days ago, he told me Narine said she was staying. And I couldn’t tell whether I should feel relief or devastation.
Why?
Why would she want to stay?
Was it guilt?
Pity?
I couldn’t bear the thought of her remaining by my side just because she felt sorry for me. Every day that passed, I found myself constantly thinking about he
