After another hour or so of Nadia proclaiming her love of books and learning, Garin decided he couldn’t take another second of it, and decided it was time to sleep. Thankfully, Nadia didn’t complain, but this would mean he would now need to travel during the day. He didn’t like that idea.
Little to his surprise, he was unable to sleep at all, and dawn quickly came… along with loud, chirping birds. They were much too cheerful for being awake during the day, he mused.
“Don’t tell me you slept with that mask on all night…” Garin turned, seeing Nadia yawn and stretch, then she smiled. “Did you?”
“No, I didn’t.” He replied with a grumble, then pushed himself to his feet.
“Really? That makes me sad then… I woke up too late to see you without it on.”
“I didn’t take it off.” He stretched after getting up, as the roots and twigs had been mighty uncomfortable that night.
“Wait… but you just said you didn’t sleep with it on!” Nadia exclaimed, becoming visibly upset. She got hastily to her feet with a deep frown. “Don’t lie to me!”
“I didn’t.”
“And what’s with these short replies?! You could at least elaborate for me! That mask as well-”
“It’s a scarf.”
“Scarf, whatever! At least allow me to see your face!”
“No.”
“I deserve at least that!” She demanded, then reached out and pulled the black fabric away from Garin’s face, though his expression caused a cold shiver to run the length of her spine.
“You… you deserve nothing from me. Despite that, I have not lied to you, I have allowed you to sleep, and have given you freedom to walk and talk at your leisure. None of those things are entitlements.”
“But-”
“Do not argue with me, Woman! Do you not understand?! I had no sleep last night, and will continue to go without sleep until we are within the city of The Order! Do not test my patience by acting as though you deserve anything from me.”
“You’re going to take my life in a few months, don’t I deserve at least a little bit of happiness before I go?” She asked, her arms crossed over her chest.
Garin sighed heavily, not answering for what felt like a long time as they continued to walk along the beaten path. Finally he looked at her, opening his mouth to speak.
“You will live comfortably enough, and you will not be harmed in any way until your child is born. Taking your life is nothing personal...” He paused for a moment and noticed that she was giving him a grim stare, her eyes were filled with tears.
