You rest your hand on the pedestal of the statue. You smile up at Lady Irene, her face lit with duck light. You can hear foot steps behind you. You turn to see Aphmau walking towards you with a letter. The envelope bares the symbol of Scaleswind. She holds it out to you.
"A messenger bird delivered this to Garroth." You take it and notice it's already been opened. "He asked me to give it to you." She waits as you pull out a piece of parchment.
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You clench your fists and rip the paper apart. Aphmau stands back stunned as you throw the remains into the fountain. You can feel tears falling down your face. Aphmau places a hand on your back. "(F/N)? Are you alright? What happened?" You hear more footsteps before you can answer.
"Her sister died." Garroth's voice rings from behind you, filled with sorrow and pity. You turn towards him. You're filled with rage. "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" Garroth steps back.
"I fail to see how your sister's murder is my fault!" He's getting defensive fast.
"IT'S YOUR STUPID ASS THAT MADE ME HAVE TO LEAVE! IF NOT FOR YOU, I WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH HER! SHE'D BE OKAY! SHE'D STILL BE HERE INSTEAD OF..." You breathe in, shaking. You couldnt do it. You couldn't say Nicole was dead.. "Instead of gone." You let out a sob. Aphmau pulls you into a hug. She releases you and wipes your eyes.
"(F/N), you know you can always, always come to me if you need a shoulder to cry on, right?" You smile at her.
"Me as well, except I don't want you soaking anymore of my clothes." You laugh dip your hand into the fountain, and splash water all over his armor.
"Oh, that's it!" He picks you up bridal style, and drops you into the cold water. Aphmau and Garroth laugh. You reach up quickly, grab her wrist, and pull her in. Garroth laughs again. You and Aphmau look at each other and nod. You both lunge at Garroth. Aphmau holds his arm while you remove his helm. He struggles, but you can tell he doesn't want to hurt Aphmau. Laughing, you fill the metal helmet with water.
"Aphmau, duck!" Aphmau releases Garroth just as you dump your load onto his head. After a few minutes of horse-playing like this, you all sit shivering on the floor of the plaza. You sniff and wipe your eyes with your damp sleeve. "Well, it's getting late," Aphmau stands stretching. "I promised Levin that I'd let him help make dinner. Good night you two." She walks away, leaving you and Garroth alone in acward silence. He had found out. He knows you were engaged to him. You shiver. What must he think of you?
"I think I'll do the same." Garroth stands and helps you up. "Would you like me to walk you home, (Y/N)?" You shake your head. He used your name. He used your real name.He picks up his helm.
"Well, good night, Garroth." You head towards your house next to Cadenza's and Garroth heads to the tower. You open walk in and let it close behind you. As soon as it does you lunge for the picture frame on your bedside table. You close your fingers around the only picture of your sister you had. Tears fall onto the purple frame.
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You rub your thumb over the lace at the bottom of her dress. She hated that dress. She always said it was too pink, too frilly, and too girly, but she wore it because Father asked her too. She was the youngest. She wasn't the one being forced to marry Garroth Ro'meave. You were, but you were a coward. You press the glass to your chest and sob. You don't remember how much time passed before you passed out, you just remember someone lifting you up, and then waking up around noon.
Grabbing you cloak and throwing it around you once more, you throw open the door and step out into the bright light of the day. You walk slowly with your hands in your pockets. Your looking down, not watching where your going. You slam into someone. Falling backwards, you look up to realize it's-
