"Princess," he said with a low voice, almost a murmur, so as not to startle her further. He did ask why she was crying.
He simply knew, he had fought beside her, watched her carry the crushing burden of the siege, and now, he saw the cracking of her resolve.
Viana could only shake her head, tears began to well up again. Embarrassment warred with an overwhelming need for comfort.
She had always prided herself on her strength and composure in this life. To be seen like this, by Reyes of all people, felt like a breach in her carefully constructed fortress.
Reyes, however, did not flinch or comment. He simply took another silent step, closing the distance between them.
His eyes held no judgment, only a deep and quiet understanding. He had seen the horrors of battle, the price of command given to him. He knew the weight of such responsibility.
Without a word, he simply opened his arms.
Viana hesitated for only a fraction of a second. Then, all the carefully built walls crumbled.
