SOREN
Guilt washed over me, clear and undeniable.
I looked away, my hands tightening on her waist.
"It's because I'm worried about you, Eris," I said. It was the truth, but only a partial one.
I didn't tell her that I was terrified of her body giving out, that every time she looked pale I felt like my heart was being gripped by an ice-giant. I was scared her core was wearing out, that she was dying faster because of the fire.
"I'm just worried about you overexerting your body," I added, trying to sound reasonable.
Eris gave me a deadpan stare that could have withered a forest. "You talk as if I am fragile," she said, her voice insulted. "Soren, I ruled Solmire for more than ten years. I have navigated coups, famines, and wars while you were still learning how to hold a sword. I assure you, I am not fragile."
