The young man’s words were harsh and Melanie found herself glaring at him as he stumbled away. Sniffing softly, she took the handkerchief from Dalton and dabbed the corner of her eyes with it. This was such an experience, and something she never expected to happen. Her body shook as he placed a hand on her, but not out of fear, it was out of relaxation. Knowing someone was here to help her claim down a good amount. Nodding was the best response she could give him when he said that she should return to her room. She took his arm and followed him out.

The walk gave her a lot to reflect on. She had been through a lot in a short amount of time and despite his position and where he actually should be; he was watching over her. He probably shouldn’t be, he really took over the challenge with grace. Though, she couldn’t blame him if he wasn’t happy about it but he was doing good at not letting it show. In the end, she felt guilty for all that he had to go through. Her hand gripped onto his shoulder as they walked back towards her room. 

Arriving at the room she let out a long sigh looking into the large space that she was going to call her own. She couldn’t let the king down, she couldn’t let the country down. She had to take on everything that was coming to her but she wasn’t doing it alone. Turning around she looked up at Dalton as he spoke to her. Her head dropped, listening to him speak. Sighing, she raised her head and reached out, grabbing a hold of his hand. “Do not blame yourself Sir Dalton, you couldn’t have predicted what would happen but the fact that you came means a lot to me.” A firm nod rose and fell her head.

Then… she gave his arm another small squeeze. “If it means anything to you Sir Dalton, what that man said is false. Your father is respected by the people for his work but you as the captain of the guard and leader of the army have earned the respect of the people by your own hand. The country is proud that you took over your father’s position but you are not a replacement. You have earned your position in the eyes of the people, in the eyes of the king and… in my eyes as well. Please…” She gave his arm another small squeeze. “Please Sir Dalton, do not ever forget how much this country and its people appreciate all you do for them, for us, as [i]you[/i].”

Her blue eyes stared him down for another moment before she realized just how much she was clinging to him. She abruptly let him go and turned her gaze to the ground. “I apologize, I got over-excited. But I would like to make a request.” Her gaze turned upwards, once again meeting his face. “When we are apart from others, will you please just call me Melanie? I’d very much appreciate some form of normalcy that I was formally accustomed to once and a while.”