Wild Berries

"To me, it looks like someone is sympathizing with a poor girl because she makes him recall his own past," Arlan commented. "But still, I am sure there is more to it."

The pen in Drayce's hand paused mid-writing. He did not respond, his red eyes only staring intently at the parchment on the table. 

Arlan observed his expression. "You can't say it?" 

"Even I am not sure of it," Drayce replied after some time. 

Since he replied that way, Arlan didn't insist and asked a different question, "Tell me honestly, if King Armen doesn't agree to give you his daughter and all the predictions we made about the war are right, will you still help Abetha to fight against Thevailes?"

Drayce took a long pause before answering with a scowl. "The Third Princess won't ever step back into this kingdom after that."