Never Waking From This Dream

Commander Lothian felt he had seen Celia upset more than he had seen her be happy recently. Before they left for the monster culling, she had been avoidant of him. He had thought the night at the palace was a good one even if she finished the evening drinking a bit too much. Her reaction had pushed him further into confusion even though his feelings were certain. She sought comfort from him when she was lonely but seemed to regret it quickly the very following day. 

The knight went onto his knees in front of the crying woman and he gently pulled her hands from her face. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears and he quickly wiped away the ones that had fallen onto her cheeks. He delicately held her face as he looked at her.

"I want you to stay here forever," he corrected her. "I understand if it's uncomfortable because you don't hold the same feelings for me."