Permission Requested

~ STARK ~

Hildie fell in step with me as I was marching quickly through the halls towards the Council chamber.

David wanted to be very visible throughout this process, and so every time we met, we would do so in a formal setting, even if we were alone. That way, spies and watchers would have reports of our agitation and activity.

There was nothing more suspicious in an enemy than apparent inactivity. We both knew that.

I just prayed his nerves could take the scrutiny.

He'd definitely been less dark since he and Zara reunited. But having her in the dungeon, having to leave her in the hands of others was making him almost as raw and impatient as he'd been before she returned.

It worked in our favor, so I didn't press him on the point. But the servants were walking small, and even I was uneasy at times.

David still wasn't well.

As always, when Hildie appeared, something in my chest loosened.