Bloody Mary

King Boo

"Is everything alright, Sire?"

I turn to Y/N as she's holding my arm. We've stopped walking and are standing in the main hall, I can hear the soft tickling of water from the Cheep Cheep fountain. "Yes, my dear. I'm fine." I reassure her. "Just lost in thought is all." We continue to walk so that we get to the foyer before Avery and Chief Potamalu leave.

"I'm sorry, Sire." I look at her, very confused. "But I am curious on what you were thinking about." 

I sigh a laugh. "My dear? Don't you know curiosity killed the cat?" I tease as we walk past the suits of armor in the hall.

"Oh I am familiar with it." Y/N chuckles. "But you should know that satisfaction brought it back." She smirks.

"I suppose you're correct, my dear." I chuckle with her. "I am simply thinking about..." I pause. Do I really want to tell her now...?  "I was thinking about... how you've only been here for a short amount of time and are already leaving." Not a lie, I was thinking about how she is leaving. "I suppose what I am trying to say is that I will miss you today, my dear." I smile at her.

She seems to have noticed my hesitation but, thankfully, says nothing of it. Instead, she says, "I'm flattered, Sire. I must admit, I believe that I will miss you as well..." she trails off, a light shade of pink dusts her cheeks as she looks to the ground.

I take my free hand and reach over to her. Cupping her cheek in my hand, I turn her face towards me. "Now it's my turn to be flattered, my dear." I smile gently as I reach for the door to the entrance. I open the door and we both are met with greetings from Avery and Chief Potamalu.

"Good morning." I greet in turn.

"How are you both this morning?" Y/N asks.

"We are doing just fine, young lady." The chief responds with a large smile on his face. "How about you two? How are you?"

"Wonderful!" Y/N's smile grows. "I can't wait to see your home!" 

"I am doing quite well myself. Thank you for asking."

"That's wonderful." Avery pipes up. "I'm glad the days have been treating you both well." He walks up to Y/N and puts a hand on her shoulder, the other is holding the box that the Angel's Lily is stored in. "But I do need to ask you, Y/N... How's your mental health?"

Y/N starts laughing as Avery's face remains completely serious. The chief looks concerned and I feel my concern rising as well. "My trauma is doing alright." Y/N finally says after her laughter subsides to giggling. "I haven't had any nightmares if that's what you're asking." She shrugs.

"You were lashed thirty times by your country's leader for..." The chief pauses. "I'm not sure what for, actually."

"Refusing a marriage proposal." Y/N doesn't hesitate.

"Go ahead, say it even more casually." I sigh, shaking my head. Avery and Chief Potamalu are in shocked silence and Y/N has started giggling once again.

I usually can't help but smile at her laughter but, she doesn't sound like herself. Y/N's laughter and giggles are usually so full of joy. Not these ones, the sound forced. As if she wants to laugh but is too uncomfortable with the previous topic.

"Well, none of us are getting any younger." She smiles but, it too, is somewhat forced. "Let's get going."

"I suppose that would be a good idea." I say as I place my hand on Y/N's shoulder, walking her to the doors.

"Alright... let's get going." Chief Potamalu sighs after some hesitance.

"But-" Avery starts.

"The day is getting shorter and we have a long journey ahead of us." The Chief raises his hand, silencing Avery. "Besides, Y/N seems uncomfortable discussing this subject." Avery sighs and nods as he joins us at the door.