At the King's Mercy

My words lingered in the long silence that followed. Alveron was quiet, a slight frown creasing his lips, and Elise let out a half-sob.

"Why?" she asked, pleading at me with wet eyes, her voice breaking. "Why won't you just trust him? We could be together again!"

Alverin sighed and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, drawing her close. "I'm sorry, my love," he said, his voice laced with regret, "but we tried our best. You know what I have to do now, don't you?"

Her lower lip trembled, and she looked as though she might break down at any moment, but she nodded slowly. "Please," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "don't make her hurt too much."