Emhyr Var Emreis x Reader

Forty

With a cold expression on your face and almost no understanding in your eyes, you looked down on Vernon Roche, how he sunk to his knees right in front of you.

Your flames danced around his head like a cursed crown.

And maybe he was cursed. But he deserved all the recognition for it.

"Kill me quick.", he asked as his fingers let go of the sword, too weak to hold it up. "I want to die like my men."

For a moment you eyed his face.

He was covered in soot and blood, perhaps his own, perhaps yours.

Either way, he looked like a man who knew he had lost a battle. And he wouldn't make a fuss about it.

"You lost, but I won't win unless you live.", you said and let go of his collar to grab his sword and put it to his throat. "You're my base for negotiations."

His eyes flinched.

"I won't help you in any way."

Gently smiling with amusement, you shook your head.

"I don't need your help. Just you.", you said and looked up as the sound of steps approached. "Keep your mouth shut and I'll put in a good word for you."

"I'd rather die."

"I can arrange that. Painfully."

As soon as these words, so cold and careless, escaped your mouth the expression on his face changed.

Finally, he realised in what position he was in. There was no way he'd make it out in one peace.

Not unless you granted him mercy.

A soft breath escaped his dry and cracked lips as his eyes sunk and a soft nod made his head move.

"Tsk!", he hissed and closed his eyes.

Satisfied, you put a hand to his shoulder and waited for the steps to pass the hill so that you could see who was about to approach.

"I'll let you free if this won't go my way.", you said. "But know that neither of us has anything to loose. We'll both die, if I let go of you."

A simple sound of understanding escaped him.

Dark figures appeared between the blanket of trees and snow.

Black armour and horses mixed with golden details.

The very first man you recognise was general Voorhis.

It was good to see him instead of somebody else. He seemed to be a man who understood your way of thinking.

And he did judge it. He just simply wouldn't act the same way.

His auburn hair made the icy winger landscape seem like it was on fire.

Just the way you had set it on fire mere minutes ago.

It still smelled of ashes and burned wood. Almost like an inferno.

"(Y/N)!", Morvran slid off his horse. "Are you alright?"

With a raised hand and a gentle shake of your head you told him not to worry.

"I need to see the emperor.", you said without wasting a single breath.

Unsure, Morvran stopped to look at the man kneeling in front of you.

"Is that..?", he asked, fully mesmerised.

You hummed.

"Vernon Roche.", you confirmed with unwanted pride in your voice. "The leader of the rebels."

"The emperor will be delighted.", he stepped forward to make an attempt to grab Vernon by the shoulders.

But you raised a hand and made a small flame light up on the ground.

Surprised, the general backed away.

"I need the emperor.", you repeated. "Only the emperor."

Dark shadows crossed the generals face.

Quickly, he threw a glance over his shoulder to check on the group of soldiers behind him and then took a step towards you to whisper more quietly.

"You're playing a dangerous game that you cannot win.", he said and it sounded like a sincere wanting. "I don't know what you're asking for, but he won't give it to you."

A smile lit up on your face.

"I appreciate you looking out for me, Morvran.", you said and let the flames die down so that he could walk up to stand side by side. "I don't believe in friends with nobles since they only care for their own advantage. But you are a proper man. I like you. You might be the only noble I would dare to call a friend."

Surprise crossed his face, but he was quick to hide it from the others.

"Then let me say it as a friend. If you try to bargain with the empire about Vernon Roche... he'll have you killed. No matter what you can offer him. He won't take it."

A soft breath made your chest pull together.

But you couldn't let go of the plan that sat in the back of your mind.

You couldn't go back now. Even if Morvran seemed to believe it was still possible, you knew that the edge of the cliff was already out of reach.

Once before had you stood at the edge, almost falling. This wasn't the same feeling. It was far worse.

The nervous beating of your own heart tied your throat.

But you couldn't do anything else except gift the general a genuine smile.

"Please.", you insisted. "All I need is this favour."

Annoyed, he closed his eyes, pressed his lips into a thin line and let out a deep breath.

"What is in for me?", he asked, a bit less patient than before.

"What do you desire?"

His eyes locked with yours for a moment. Then his eyebrows rose in a sarcastic manner.

"If you don't die?", he almost had to laugh. "I want you to stand with me. Just the way I stood with you."

"Allies?", you asked. "I'd offer you far more than that."

"And that would be?"

"Friendship. Something I don't hand out easily."

Wrinkles appeared on his forehead as he frowned.

"And how is that different?", his head tilted to the side.

You turned your gaze away to catch a glimpse at the camp of Nilfgaard's army that was wrapped in black and gold.

"My loyalty doesn't lay with empires nor titles. It's attached to people. And trust me, Morvran, if I'm loyal to someone I'd die for them."

"Because that's loyalties duty."

"No. Because that's my wish."