Islinda Was Dead

"Your Highness!" 

"Fuck!" Valerie cursed under his breath as he had no choice but to halt at once. He had planned to sneak out of the palace undetected and had intentionally dressed subtly while walking with his head lowered, but it seems that was not enough. They still found him. 

Only that it was not "they" but "he" and it was a face that he didn't expect to see. 

"Derek…." Valerie stared at the tall, imposing Fae in front of him with unbelieving eyes. Derek was no other than his second in command and he had seen him fall the day the wraiths attacked them. 

Islinda had occupied his mind that he hadn't thought about him. Valerie did not blame her, after all, she helped him grieve. He had lost a lot of good men that day and it was nice to see a familiar face. But this was not the right time or place for he had somewhere to be. 

Nonetheless, it didn't stop him from pulling Derek forward and wrapping his arms around him, hugging him tight.