⋞⁘♔⁘⋟ Slumber was what he deserved? Oh, he could easily beg to differ. What Ravus felt he deserved was nothing of any positive nature. Still, he would not argue on the matter and kept his own guilt and self-deprecation in his mind, no longer speaking it aloud. Even his refusal would be no more than a burden, so he would abide to her suggestions, this time.
“Your kindness is a blessing, Gentiana. You are too fair and astounding for this foul world.” As his words spoke, a soft yawn threatened him, attempting to draw a conclusion to the matter. His own body was defying him, not rested enough from his previous sleep that had been plagued with night terrors. He did not doubt that they would occur again- they always did, but he sincerely hoped that they would not instigate him to lash out so physically, as he had prior.
There was an odd comfort in having the blanket pulled over him in such a way. It made him feel…smaller. Not literally or in age, but as a whole- as though he was worth tending to in a genuine manner, but that he still needed it. It was humbling.
“You truly needn’t stay if you wish not to. It was a foolish request. It would please me most if you would allow yourself to rest, as well.” He still was not certain of what Messengers required, but surely they must tire? … He was not sure. “Lunafreya’s room is down the hall, as I know you are well aware.” It pained him to speak her name, but he choked back the emotion of it to make his point. “Or even here… There is plenty of space and I would not dishonor you by being uncivil in any form.”
Had that offer been inappropriate? He was too tired to even decide that. He hoped she would understand the courtesy of his suggestion.
How many more broken souls would she have to endure? Countless. And she deserved to witness them all. If he knew the truth of who she was, would he be so kind to her? Would he wish to have her at his side knowing the history of the path she had walked. There was a time when she felt no love for mortal men, felt no pity for their plight... but things had changed, she had changed.
It would have been so easy for her to become bitter after she had failed to save her love, to have no option but to inhabit the body of one of her most faithful acolytes, and to start, she felt that bitter tang in the back of her throat right up until the moment she laid eyes upon Lunafreya. Oh, how radiant the girl was, her smile soothing even her battered soul.
So now it was her turn to care for another, to raise him up from the pits of his despair and self loathing and lead him to a future filled with light and hope. Ravus deserved that, and she would do whatever it took to ensure it was given to him.
❝It would feel wrong of me to take her room even for a night. I know the Lady Lunafreya would not hear of such nonsense, but I would rather her room remain hers.❞ She said with a gentle shake of her head as she tucked the man into bed as though he were a small child.
At his suggestion that she share his bed, the messenger could not help the blush that bloomed upon the apples of her cheeks. ❝My lord, I know you would never do anything to dishonour me, but I cannot accept your offer. Your bed should be shared with your future queen, not someone like me.❞
Once she was happy he was carefully tucked in, she moved from his bed and into a nearby chair. ❝I shall watch over you. Rest now, my prince.❞
