︱𝓗e was very good at keeping track of everything that happened within the castle, had eyes and ears everywhere and knew when things were in disarray. And it was after a few days, almost a week, perhaps it was even longer, that he knew something was wrong - oh he knew alright - with Jules.
She was avoiding him, and it wasn’t too hard to take a gander that she was still traumatized by the punishment she had received for he misbehaviors. Granted, it was a small punishment, but it cut deeper - much deeper - then both of them intended it to be. After all, even he had a throbbing pain in his chest whenever he looked at her. Especially when all he could see is the entrails of her dress turning a corner or the back of her head, brunette locks moving behind her.
Huffman had, admittedly, hoped she’d come around that they could return to everything as usual, but it clearly wasn’t going to happen. The knight had to take action, they needed to talk, and even though he knew he should give her space…it was also his duty to take responsibility for his actions. Even the ones when his hand was forced.
The knight had seen her, she must have misstepped or he must have gotten lucky. And he was more willing to bet on the latter seeing how Jules was always level headed and he wouldn’t underestimate her. So as their eyes locked and it was just the two of them, in their time of leisure, Huffman knew this was his chance. It may be not the right time, but he knew this was a rare chance he would get especially if she wouldn’t let this happen again.
So Huffman gave chase, knowing the layout of the castle all too well and was able to keep her at least within line of sight. It was the small things, the sound of her footsteps or the ends of her clothes turning a corner. He was able to catch up to her, where they were alone - funny how this feeling was so familiar yet it carried a different weight.
The knight slowly approached her when she was cornered, or was too exhausted to continue to move, or simply thought she lost him. He kept a good distance away, giving her room, but was within earshot so that he didn’t have to raise his voice.
Those were the only words he could say. That’s all he wanted to say, he couldn’t even bring up her name. And that thought alone, the realization of the inability to even say her name out loud made the heart in his chest drop. Before long, his vision strained and he realized the way his breathing had changed as well.
❝ 𝗜'𝗺 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆… ❞ he repeated again. inhaling through his nose and looked away. Tears were brimming at his eyes, something he didn’t know could happen in a situation like this. Sure he’s cried before, but never…never like this. His voice cracked a little. ❝ … 𝗜- 𝗜'𝗺 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆. ❞
When it felt like she couldn’t go any farther, her chest so tight that it stung to breath, she stopped. Surely this was far enough. Surely he hadn’t even bothered to follow her.
Those two words sent a chill down her spine, all of her muscles tensing and ready to run. And yet...Jules found her feet firmly rooted to the ground, unable to ignore the pain in his voice. Had Huffman really chased her all the way here just to say that? As much as a part of her begged her to run, warned her that he wasn’t done hurting her, some fear of hurting him stopped her. Her words didn’t reflect that, however.
“And why are you crying?” It wasn’t so much a question as a sharp jab, and she wasn’t sure how much she meant it. There was a deep-seated anger that demanded to be felt-he had to know how much she had suffered because of him, and yet he had the gall to hunt her down right now and apologize? Both of them knew her punishment wouldn’t have been nearly as bad if it hadn’t been him delivering it. And now he couldn’t even give her the mercy of leaving her alone?
This whirlwind of emotions was making her light-headed. Thoughts were blurring together, fueling the tears. The only thing she knew for sure was that she couldn’t turn around and face him.
After a few moments, the anger waned slightly. Enough for her to talk, though her words still had a bite to them.
“Don’t worry, I’ll stay out of your hair from now on.” So much conveyed in just a few words: yes, she intended to keep snooping, but she wouldn’t let herself get caught again. The implication that she wouldn’t be asking for his help anymore. And, perhaps, the promise that he wouldn’t have to go through this again.
Was that her way of sparing him?