Traitor

Part 1- Betrayal

 She was so tired.

A dull headache pounded at her temples. Feeling weak, even moving her arms and legs felt like a huge chore. Unable to resist the pull of her exhaustion, she leaned back in her bed, closing her eyes briefly.

"Tired, Princess?"

A soft voice called out from the doorway. She glanced up, unable to hide the smile that sprung up at the sight of his face.

"Darian." The name was whispered like a prayer, hidden within a sigh. He was the only one foolish enough to simply waltz into the royal chambers without ceremony or fuss.

"I know you're in the midst of dealing with a rebellion, but even royalty needs sleep." His grin was contagious, catching at her heart.

She rubbed her eyes, trying to appear more alert. "I'll be ok, I was just going to take a short nap, then get back to the front lines. "

"Have you considered something crazy like, I don't know, actually being well rested?" He shook his head. "Wars come and go, but if you don't get some sleep, you won't be any help to anyone."

He reached out, grasping one of her hands within his own. His palm was warm, a feeling that transmitted up her arm, taking root inside of her chest. She sighed with relief.

"This is not a simple war, Darian, and you know it." Her smile was strained, but she kept it in place, not wanting to worry him. "This group of people is rebelling against my father. It would be one thing if they were just protesting, trying to improve how the country is run, but they are only resorting to violence." She took her hand gently out of his grasp, wringing her hands together in her lap instead. "They want to murder him, and everyone else in the royal family, including myself."

There was a strange glint in Darian's eyes. "Do you think there's any truth to what the rebels are saying? That your father, the king abuses his power?"

"I would not be shocked if some of their complaints were based on truth. " The words were directed down towards her lap. She felt uncomfortable maintaining eye contact while discussing her father's faults. "Power can corrupt anyone. I'm not naive. I know that this system favors the rich and powerful, and I benefit from it as well. I've done my best to help, to advocate for those without a voice in this kingdom, but my efforts alone can only do so much,"

She sighed again, sinking deeper into her thoughts.

Darian stared at her, the silence between them stretching out uncomfortably until she looked up to meet his troubled gaze.

"What if they gave you a chance to join them? Would you take it?"

She felt a sharp pain in her chest, a pricking within her heart. Silently, she pushed down the emotions welling up within her, keeping her face neutral.

"I would not." Her voice was firm.

He seemed confused. "Why not? It seems as though you understand their anger." His face darkened. "Or is it just simple pity for those beneath you?"

"It's not pity, or lack of understanding." She looked him directly in the eyes, willing him to understand. "If they wanted to take my position from me, strip me of my title and riches, and make this nation better, I could live with that. I would even support them if they had the ability to help those I could not. But right now all they want is for royal blood to be spilt, as if the violence could wash away this nation's suffering."

She felt her eyes tearing up, and blinked, not wanting to cry at this moment. "They want to kill my father, Darian. I won't, I can't support that."

His face was emotionless. It resembled a mask more than the childhood friend she had grown up with. So many years between them, jokes, tears, memories but right now he looked like a stranger to her.