Outside, the grounds basked in sunlight. The wind stirred the hedges gently, birds chirped cautiously from the treetops. Guards stood alert as Seamus strode toward the estate chapel, Kenneth at his side.
They entered the ruined chapel.
The place had been turned upside down—shattered candles, broken pews, scattered sigils and books.
Kenneth's eyes widened.
"My gods…"
Seamus stood near the altar, head bowed. He didn't speak.
Kenneth moved quietly through the space, flipping overturned chairs upright as he passed.
At last, Seamus spoke.
His voice was rough. Tired.
"I don't know what the right thing to do is anymore. I've hurt her. I know that. But I don't know how to… how to even begin again."
Kenneth didn't flinch.
He walked up and placed both hands on Seamus' shoulders, making the nobleman meet his eyes.
"Go. To. Her."
He squeezed gently.
"Tell her she is safe. That she is wanted."
Seamus stared.
Kenneth pressed on.
"She loves you. Maybe she hasn't said it yet, but she does. She craves you. You crossed oceans and defied the Church to bring her here. You'd burn the world for her."
Seamus blinked—eyes wide, stunned.
"My lord," Kenneth finished, letting him go, "if you do not go to her now, you'll regret it. In more ways than you know."
Seamus sat down slowly in a chair Kenneth had righted, his face suddenly boyish. Lost. His fingers trembled slightly.
He looked toward the altar.
A small talisman laid at the feet of the Saintess, cracked right down the center.
He walked forward and picked it up with careful fingers.
"She was here," he whispered. "She left this. I think… I think she's losing faith."
Kenneth looked at the altar, then back to him.
"Then stop hiding, and be the reason she can still believe."
A long silence.
Then—
Seamus stood.
His jaw clenched.
He turned on his heel and strode toward the chapel doors.
"Do not follow me, Kenneth."
He slammed the door behind him.
Kenneth exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck as he surveyed the wreckage of prayer and desperation.
"About damn time," he muttered, picking up the broom.