dancing after dark

Eularia watched him as he stood, and for a moment, where she was beneath him on the ground, with the kindness of his words, the reason he spoke in her mind... She thought she might just worship this man, for as long as they both lived. And he pulled her to her feet, embracing her, and she buried her face against his shoulder.

He was a luxury, a comfort she did not deserve. She did not deserve such kindness from someone she loved, not after what she'd done. Some part of her must have wanted it, to have been compelled so easily...

As the song filled with music, the bustle of the tavern from ages ago, Eularia stiffened. And then Frankie's voice filled the space, and she relaxed. It was a memory from Magnus himself; but Eularia remembered the day like it was yesterday.

They'd loved to perform, traveling to their favorite tavern, performing song and dance together. He'd been more bard than prince, and it was a sweet escape for him to pull her into his antics. He'd been so... fun. So free. Even though she was ever-aware of the chains that bound the both of them. He'd still found a way to be free.

He'd shown that to her, repeatedly. Forcefully, at times. And she stood there, listening to the illusion, as she studied the man in front of her with tear-filled eyes. How many times did you watch? How often did I dance and sing with him, in front of you? She murmured, as he pulled her back into an embrace.

My mage in the shadows, she murmured, pressing a kiss to his cheek. She'd never realized he'd owned the tavern; she'd never realized he was there. She's never asked why. But he's shown his cards now... and she's a curious person.