After fixing up the hinges, Rhys started towards the servants section of the castle. He was about to go into his room when the back of his neck prickled slightly. He whipped around, eyes sharp, to hear soft footsteps... then the king himself appeared. He was, admittedly, a bit shocked that the royal would go into the servants area, as it was a place royals avoided like the plague. He dropped the tool kit and folded his hands behind his back, lips twitching downward the slightest bit. The king stopped and waited expectantly, causing a low growl to come out with the words Rhys detested. "My king. What can I do for you?" He asked lowly, shoulders tight.

.

The king looked like they were trying not to sneer, not hiding their disgust. "I didn't think you'd actually obey me and stay away from the gardens. Shocking." He mused lowly, his words biting. "You've also been doing a stellar job staying away from Phoebe. Tell me, do you think of her often?"

.

Obviously, the king wasn't even going to try to step around the issue. Rhys kept his face straight, though his skin prickled with irritation. "Only as my master and the princess of the castle, of course." He answered evenly. "To be protected at... all costs." He lingered on the end words just slightly, almost mocking the king. A threat, even, to Atius, that wasn't missed.

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The king's face flashed with anger, his mere look saying that Rhys was playing a dangerous game. "I came here to inform you of something...thought you'd want to know. General Atius has spoken to me about taking the princesses hand in marriage. I don't believe I'm that opposed to the idea. As my most trusted general, Atius would make a fine ... lifetime comforter for my daughter. To stay by her side every second of the day... to keep the likes of YOU away from her." The king all but spit.

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Rhys was ignoring most of what the king said, having found the best way to deal with royals was just nodding and agreeing, but a couple words caught his attention. Atius. Marriage. The princess. His eyes flared with shock and anger, and that small trip up, he knew, would cost him. He watched a twisted smile come to the king's lips.

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"I knew it... knew you cared for her. I thought I told you to stay away from her, servant." The king snarled lowly, stepping closer.

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Rhys already knew he was in deep water, so why not drown himself. "You must care for her very much, since she is your daughter. I know you don't miss the way Atius looks at her. All I can hope is that you don't make a rash decision, my king." His fingers twitched as he let venom drip down his words. This was war.

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The king looked almost surprised that Rhys dared say anything like that, his teeth clenching. "Don't insult my judgement. You are nothing. I own you. You can't leave, can't even leave the castle. You will ROT here, stuck in these stone walls. And if you try to see her or escape? I will kill you and hang your body on the walls for all to see... I want them to know what happens when someone who is worthless questions their king." The man thundered before sweeping away.

.

Rhys sneered behind their back, his hands trembling slightly out of sheer fury. It was not fear he felt, not even close. He didn't care about the threats. He cared about the fact that the king cared so little for Phoebe that they would sell her away like a possession. He whipped around and shouldered his way through his door, slamming it behind him. Let the king hear. Rhys was dead anyway. He dropped the tool kit that he grabbed before he came in, then immediately exited and strode towards the garden, using the very back ways as to not be seen. He had to talk to Phoebe, at least, one last time.

Phoebe Nightlingale

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``Princess, a servant is meant to endure everything, including being overwhelmed,`` General Atius grumbled, his distaste for her words more than apparent. A sound similar to that of a groan escaped him as he rose to his feet, causing Phoebe to look over at him with a questioning look. It took all her willpower to not react when he leaned in close and gently used one his gloved hands to cup her chin, his breath warm against her cheek. She didn`t want him this close, especially when she knew she couldn`t keep hiding beneath this carefully fabricated facade for much longer. The closer he was to her, the more in danger she felt; it was to be expected due to who he was.. As a general, it was expected of him to evoke fear and submission from those around him, even her. ``Distractions.. are included. Regardless, you won`t have to worry about any of them for much longer, including Rhys.``

The only reaction she gave regarding the mentioning of Rhys was her eyes widening just a little, her breath hitching momentarily. She quickly regained her composure and lifted a questioning brow, shifting to the side on the fountian to create some form of distance between them. Phoebe watched him carefully, gauging the look on his face and trying desperately to understand what he was implying.. yet she wasn`t a fool and she had figured it out: she did have a suitor, one that wanted her badly for all the wrong reasons, and he was sitting right next to her. She eventually whispered, her voice betraying nothing of what she was truly feeling, ``What do you mean, General?``

``You`ll find out, one way or another,`` Atius chuckled menacingly before he withdrew, ensuring his fingers lingered on her skin prior to doing so. Phoebe watched him as he waved his hand in farewell, vanishing back into the castle itself as if their conversation had been normal. She let go of the breath she had been holding, her composure slowly breaking. It was then and there that she realized that her fate had been sealed, even if she didn`t want anything to do with Atius; he was being decent for now, but she knew what monster lay beneath that facade of composure and restraint. She never overexaggerated when she claimed he took what he wanted in whatever way he could.. and now that applied to her, more so than it ever had before. The exhaustion and anxiety she had felt for the past few days seemed to quadruble, forcing her to angle herself awkwardly on the fountain to scoop water into her palms and wash her face. It felt refreshing.. for a mere moment. Phoebe lowered her head and exhaled deeply, her eyes staring down at her clearly shaken reflection in the water.

She tried her best to remember what Rhys told her, that everything would be alright no matter what happened. She was supposed to be strong, not only for herself but even the people she cared for in the shadows: the other servants. Silence engulfed her as she sat there, lost and trapped in her head. Before Atius even got what he wanted, she at least wanted to see Rhys again. His absence had been torturing her, especially when he was the only source of hope she had; she couldn`t help but feel as if she were losing him in more ways than one. Of course, she could merely be overthinking due to her panicked state, but a lot could go wrong.. and fast. At the very least, she promised to herself that she would ensure she would see him again, regardless of the circumstances. The silence of the garden gradually calmed her racing thoughts, allowing her former unrest to shift into a temporary feeling of tranquility and peace. It wouldn`t last and she knew it, but she would be damned if she let the moment go.

Rhys almost ran over a young servant as they scurried through the hall, barely avoiding them. He heard a squeak of fear emanate from them at his stormy features, but he couldn't be bothered to apologize. He had a mission, and he wasn't stopping. They were lucky he didn't actually step on them. He shouldered his way through one last door and found himself in the garden, all senses immediately overwhelmed. It was bright out, so his eyes immediately felt assaulted by the brightness, the sun scorched his skin quite quickly, and the chirping of birds and crickets had his ears focused on anything but footsteps. The sun was at just the wrong angle as it set that it shone right in his eyes, and honestly, he felt worse than he did when he was inside. Ignoring that, he scanned the garden for royals. After a quick walk around, he silently moved to the corner, where he could almost feel her presence near the fountain. As he drew closer, her slightly ragged breaths caught his ear, and concern and anger trickled into his face again. He quickly stepped out from behind the hedge, glancing around again, more flighty than normal. "Phoebe- Atius was just here, wasn't he." He was going to say something else, anything else, but the way she slumped over the fountain, looking miserable, had his skin crawling with disgust. Only a moment later did he realize instead of using her title, he said her name. His mind immediately started yelling at him, but he shoved it away. There were more important matters at hand. "I don't know if that means you've figured this out... or been told... but the king approached me, and Atius asked the king to allow him to marry you." He stated in a low, steady tone, draining it of the anger he was feeling as to not... scare her away. "I don't know if he did it solely to get under my skin, but I did know you deserved to know. I sure you could've guessed, however." This was probably the most he had ever spoke at once, putting aside their talk 4 or so nights ago. He paused to let out a slow breath, wincing as his shoulder resumed its throbbing. "I'm sorry- I'm sorry I let all this happen. I don't know if it would've fixed it, but you are royalty, and I am... just a servant. I shouldn't have let myself get this close. And now you're going to pay for it, and it's my fault." His whole demeanor seemed slightly hunched and guilty, eyes averting to glance around again. "I have a feeling I won't be here much longer, as the king openly threatened to hang my body on the walls to make sure no one else defied him, so I needed to at least tell you that."

.

Rhys didn't have the heart to glance back at her again as he zoned out for a moment, mind racing as to how he could fix this before he got himself killed. Only one solution came to mind, and he didn't want to. For her. Would she hate him even in death if he did something so horrible as ending a life, even if it was Atius'? Would it matter, even? Would the king just find another horrible person to try and own her like the king did the servants? He didn't know how to protect her, and it was going to drive him crazy. He bet he didn't have more than a week, or a month at best, but he also didn't know if he could come up with ideas in that time. Preferably not violent ones, but that was only so she didn't despise him. If it were up to him, the king and Atius wouldn't leave their chambers in the morning.

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He finally glanced at her for a fleeting moment, feeling a little more lost than normal. This is why he couldn't let himself get attached to anyone. Everyone he had ever cared about was dead. He couldn't let worse happen to her. It would be his fault. No one would've noticed if he would've just been a servant instead of trying to listen. If only he wouldn't have stopped her that one day in the garden because something seemed wrong. If only he wouldn't have allowed her to help with the wound. She'd be safe... he was sure the king would've waited longer to give her away, because they wouldn't want someone threatening their throne. Yet he was driving the king to this. His head throbbed with the implication of it all, causing him to lift a hand to rub his temple, trying to quell the rising flood of thoughts.

Phoebe Nightlingale

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The silence she had basked in was interrupted at the sound of the bushes rustling, causing her to lift her head and furrow her brows in evident confusion. She hadn`t expected anyone to come out here due to everything that was unfolding in the castle itself, let alone to see Rhys standing right there, mere feet away. Her heart wrenched in her chest when he mentioned Atius, realizing that perhaps she had not truly regained her composure from what he had said to her; it would probably take days, maybe even weeks, for her to actually do so. It hurt- for some unknown reason- to hear the words that left Rhys` mouth regarding the marriage, about the fact that he believed he was to blame. Truth be told, they were equally to blame, but that simply proved how badly they had wanted this friendship, to have someone that understood them despite everything else.

She slowly rose to her feet and took a small step closer to him, her gaze gentle and.. worried. The last thing she wanted was for him to worry so much about her, even if she knew she was as doomed as he was. Phoebe was clinging onto the hope that they could both somehow escape their fates, but she knew she would be hopeless beyound these walls; the mere idea of being surrounded by true strangers.. being in places that she did not know or understand.. it downright terrified her to her very core. The one place that made her feel completely at ease and protected was the castle, but with everything happening, could she still even consider it her home? Her one solace other than Rhys?

``You`re stuck in your head again,`` she commented quietly, her frown still apparent on her face. It did not go unnoticed by her that he was constantly glancing around, tense and prepared to flee if need be. Phoebe wished it didn`t have to be like this, but she knew it would be for as long as they stayed in these damned walls. It took all her willpower to not reach out to him in an effort to help ground him, to help silence whatever thoughts were bombarding his mind. ``You don`t have to apologize, Rhys. We`re both to blame and even then.. I don`t regret getting to know you.``

Her voice was honest and raw, perhaps more so than it had even before during her other vulnerable moments with him. Phoebe knew there was a chance Rhys would be executed for this, to be made an example out of when one chose to get too close to someone that was higher than themselves. She let silence fall over them for a moment before she spoke up again, hoping that he would be just as hopeful as she was despite their circumstances, ``Maybe we can get you out of here. I doubt it would be that difficult. You could easily slip by with the right clothing.``

Phoebe`s gaze traveled from him to the surrounding garden, her gaze thoughtful. Despite how much danger she was in herself, she was still prioritizing him; she hated seeing others suffer or being punished for something so small and innocent, so she had always tried to make things better to the best of her ability. Her thoughts of Atius and what could potentially happen to her vanished, replaced by her worry for the one friend she had truly ever had. Regardless, it was true that it wouldn`t be too much of a hassle to sneak him out of the castle and into a life of freedom he deserved. She could grab him some spare monoey and perhaps go to the laundry and snatch some royal`s drying clothes.. No one would question her if she were there, but then again.. It would draw some attention, even if just a little.

Rhys' straying eyes didn't want to stop to meet hers, too busy with their frantic search for anyone. He wasn't worried about himself, per usual, but about what would happen to her if they were found right now. If executed, he'd finally be at peace, but she would suffer for the rest of her life with Atius. Hardly a fair punishment. He didn't know if he could deal with allowing another person to get hurt because of his actions. Yes, she didn't stop him, she reciprocated the olive branch, really... but that still meant it was partially his fault. His fault that he doomed himself to death and her to a loveless life.

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His gaze finally drew slowly to her as she spoke softly, the frown on her face sticking out to him. "Where else am I to be stuck." He finally answered in a low, musing tone. "I am stuck in whatever I do, whether it be physically stuck in the castle or mentally stuck with my own thoughts." There was no escaping. No reason to even try. His fate was the same either way. He'd either be publicly executed or hunted down by whomever the king sent after him if he left. His lips twitched slightly at her next words, his thoughts slowing enough to study her tone and the raw emotion encompassing those last parts. I don't regret getting to know you. If he did regret it, it would only be for her sake. But really, if he didn't lie to himself ... this would've very likely happened anyway. Atius wasn't a new piece of the puzzle. He was sure the general had always been planning on this. "I enjoyed the little time we did get to spend together." He finally said, slowly, but truthfully. Rhys truly didn't regret it, he couldn't. It was two days of actual happiness before everything went downhill. Two days was so much better than the years he had spent in the dark.

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When she started speaking again, his eyes strayed away for a moment, quiet sigh escaping. "No... I can't leave. Well, I could... I have been able to ever since I got here. I could walk through the woods and never look back. But it would be a life of running, and I would've abandoned my promise to you." He looked back at her as he said this. "I'm not going to leave, as I said that I wouldn't let this happen. That I would protect you, somehow. I will be attempting to do that until the king decides its time for me to stop." Hopefully he'd figure something out before that time came, but he wasn't going to waste time worrying.

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He watched her for a couple moments, dark eyes searching her expression. "I likely won't succeed in whatever I try to do, but I will try. Nothing can happen without trying." That was a solemn sentence, one that he intended to back up. He couldn't magically solve all of her problems, but he was gonna try. Even if it was impossible and he was just speeding up his inevitable end.

Phoebe Nightlingale

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Phoebe`s frown managed to deepen further at Rhys` words, but she did nod in acknowledgement, slowly realizing that it seemed as if he already knew what he wanted to do or, at the very least, had narrowed it down to a few options. She figured whatever he was thinking would end badly, that he would lose his life in whatever scheme he was plotting to keep her safe. Her heart warmed for a moment when he mentioned his promise, one that she had clung onto whenever Atius stalked close to her, eyeing her like a hunter following its prey. Regardless, she knew she couldn`t lose him and she also knew she wouldn`t stand by idly as he tried his utmost best to keep her safe. She had to do something- anything- to help him just as much as he helped her. There was one possibility.. a plan that would have to be executed flawlessly and with both their involvement. The reality was that she knew she wasn`t built for what she was thinking, so she dared not mention it.

The Nightlingale Family passed down power and authority through murder, whether direct or indirect. Poison, a knife, a gun, a trap, and even more that one could only imagine had probably been used on the rulers by their own children. It was proof that they wanted the throne and power associated with it just as badly as the ruler that coveted it more than anything else. If she somehow got rid of her father, she could erase any and all punishments bestowed upon Rhys, even if it would conjure suspicion and unrest within the royals. The idea of someone like them protecting a servant.. it was unheard of and had never really been considered. She would technically be unstoppable at that point in time, however. Phoebe sighed heavily as her gaze drifted to the path beneath them, her eyes narrowed just a smidge as she continued to think. She didn`t understand why she was so desperate to find a solution, more so than she usually would be if she were protecting a servant. Maybe friendship made you do these things.. she didn`t really know. Regardless, there was one simple thing she needed to know.

``I won`t judge nor pester you about whatever you`re thinking of doing,`` Phoebe paused as she looked up at him, silently praying he would meet her gaze. She wanted to see those dark eyes again, the very same ones that secretly had the most gorgeous of colors swirling in their depths. Maybe she could even touch his hand one more time, even if it was fleeting and somewhat unnecessary. All she wanted was for him to know just how much their friendship had- no, did- mean to her.

``I can tell you believe you won`t survive whatever is going to happen, so.. can I at least ask for you to choose the one with the highest chances of you making it through this?`` she whispered, her question conveying her true sentiments. Phoebe doubted she would be able to live without him, the one person that made her feel at peace and understood. Her composure was slipping quickly through the cracks, her emotions on the verge of surfacing; she couldn`t let that happen.. not now. She shifted her weight a little, folding her arms across her chest as she waited for him to answer. If he was going to protect her, she knew he was going to do something to Atius or her father.. maybe both. Even if he was alive for a mere hour longer after doing whatever he was thinking, she would be fine with that. She wanted to have the chance to thank him, to ensure that he knew he was special to her. Maybe she was being a fool.. She probably was, to be honest, but she would do whatever it took to make sure he ended up unscathed in the end.. just for a little while at the very least.

Phoebe didn`t want this conversation to be the last one they had. She wanted the last one to be a positive, blissful one. She wanted him to laugh and smile, to feel at peace and without worry over everything that was going on. A part of her knew it was far too much to ask, but she would keep holding on to the possibility. God, she didn`t even know if Rhys felt the same, especially when she was feeling.. so much.

Rhys was trying, very hard, to think of better options than the ones his brain was conjuring. He didn't like the idea of shedding more blood. Only for her, though. He wished there was a peaceful solution. A way to make the king see his daughter was the most important thing in the world. A way to convince Atius to go elsewhere, find someome else. He truly did wish he didn't have to do what he thought he had to do... but he was going to protect Phoebe. At all costs... including the way she saw him. If he lived long enough to know she hated him for doing something to her father or Atius, he wouldn't regret his decision, because her life would be so much better without them. He had been studying them for years, and they were dangerous. They didn't care about her. They were going to hurt her if someone didn't stop them. They had already. It couldn't continue. And if he was the only one willing to do it, so be it.

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He had watched treason, had watched servants get killed, had watched every time Atius came to the castle, a little more lost each time. He was 17 when he decided Atius was truly lost. When they couldn't be recovered. That's when he started watching them like an enemy, and it only grew worse when Atius started looking at Phoebe like he usually does. Even before Rhys talked to Phoebe a lot, he knew her- he had grown up in the same castle, watched her all the while. Even before that, he had hated Atius for looking at her like that. Even though he wasn't supposed to care. His gaze flicked to her for a second as she moved her head slightly and her eyes narrowed. He wondered what she was thinking about. If it even mattered now.

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Rhys turned his eyes to the sunset as she started speaking, closing them for a moment before finally looking at her, his gaze dark yet certain. Everything could go wrong, but he wouldn't let his last thoughts be of her and Atius. He would take care of it, one way or another. He apologized, over and over in his mind, not wanting to dirty her pure heart with the blood on his.

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His jaw tightened as she spoke and his eyes flicked away before he nodded. There were only two outcomes to his plan. None of them left, or he left. Those were the only two he'd accept. "I will do my best." He mused lowly. Two more words were on the tip of his tongue, begging to be let out even as he didn't want them to. "For you." They escaped, despite his best efforts. He would always do his best for her, now. He just hadn't realized it till a couple days ago. At very least, he'd try to stay alive long enough that he could apologize to her, instead of just in his mind. He just needed to keep his soon to be bloodied hands to himself. He had dispatched many people over the years, and he wasn't worthy to even stand in her pure presence. Shadow and sun, the latter too dark for the rays of the sun to bear.

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He watched the sun finally dip below the horizon, casting long shadows everywhere you looked. Although he needed to act soon, he didn't want to leave. If this was the last time he would see her, then he wanted it to last. "I'm glad I got to see another sunset." He finally mused. "Even after a mere 3 days, I was beginning to think I'd never be let outside." The faintest of smiles came to his lips, a smile of someone who had shaken hands with death before and was ready to be pulled under. Yet it was also the smile of someone who would fight to make sure the ones it cared about were okay before it left. The one. He didn't care if he didn't see another sunrise so long as he knew she did. Over and over. And enjoyed them. Witnessed them with someone who truly cared. Perhaps found a true loved one, someone who would make her happy. As long as she got the privilege of having a life without fear of Atius, then he would be happy. At least he would've done something right. He glanced slowly at her after a long pause. "I'll do my best to have another conversation with you, but if it doesn't happen, find someone else, will you?" He said quietly. "Enjoy the little things, like watching the sunset. Watch it with someone who cares."

Phoebe Nightlingale

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Phoebe felt incredibly relieved at his words, even if they both knew there was a chance- perhaps an incredibly high one- he wouldn`t survive whatever he was planning do to. For now, she would cling onto his words and pray to whoever was above that he would make it through this. When he said those two words, the words that were truly meant for her ears alone, her frown nearly immediately transformed into a small smile. He was going to try for her, and she found herself repeating those words in her head over and over. She continued to watch him carefully, trying her best to memorize his features and just.. everything that made him who he was, just in case. Phoebe was honestly helpless when it came to him and she would probably never admit such a thing; it was not that surprising since Rhys was her only friend, the only one she had ever had, and, given her childhood, it was no wonder she was clinging onto him.

``You`ll see another,`` she spoke softly, as if afraid to ruin the beauty of the moment. Her gaze softened as she watched him stare at the setting sun, noting how the rays of fading sunlight danced across his upturned face. It was a beatiful sight, one she would always remember if everything turned even more south. She frowned again at the reminder of his punishment, especially since it truly had been ridiculous.. but effective; her father had practically clipped Rhys` wings and revoked the small amount of freedom he had. Regardless, she shoved the thoughts away and focused on the moment, on him. Nothing could have prepared her for the words that left him after, her body freezing. She didn`t even want to entertain the idea of finding someone else, of.. replacing him. Rhys was special to her, perhaps more special than she originally believed. Her gaze became troubled as she looked away from, focusing on the setting sun as if it would make everything better. However, she knew what she had to say in response, especially if this was the one last time. The last thing she wanted was for Rhys to go, believing that she would forever be stuck on him, even if it probably was going to be the reality.

``I.. will,`` her voice was small and hesitant, but she said it just to reassure him a little bit. She didn`t say anything else for a while as she simply took in everything that was happening. No matter what, she was grateful for Rhys and everything he had ever done for, including even the days before they had gotten close; he had probably done more for her than anyone else in her life, even if he was a servant. A sigh escaped her as she looked over at him again, a small smile shifting onto her face. ``And the sunsets will always remind me of you.``

To be honest, her words were definitely depressing, but they held a meaning she knew Rhys would know and understand. Even if he never came back, if something happened to him.. she would remember him, keep him in her memory and maybe even her heart. She continued to watch him quietly as she stood there, torn between the three options she currently had: stay until he left, leave first and sulk in her chambers, or muster the courage to touch him one last time. Even if their touches from before had been fleeting and meaningless in a way, she still wanted to reach out to him in one way or another. However, she remained rooted to the spot, uncertain and scared for what the future would bring.

Rhys didn't turn his gaze away from the sunset for a couple moments, taking a break from constantly observing his surroundings and watching her. He didn't need to figure out every thought going through her head just from her expression. He could watch the pink and orange dance together in the deep blue sky. Sunsets had always been his favorite view, a promise that even though the sun set, a new day was coming. Things couldn't go wrong if he stayed right here, in this moment. Even the birds seemed to have quieted as he just reminded himself that even though he didn't have the best life, he had seen many sunsets. He had watched northern lights dance across the sky. He had watched the stars twinkle in the north. He had watched the sun rise on a brand new day. He had fished and dozed in the sun, dove to the bottom of ponds and eaten good food. Things may seem bleak, but in his eyes, everything was just right.

.

He finally tore his gaze away from the sky to glance at her, letting the words settle gently on his mind. You'll see another. He sure hoped so. He didn't respond, but he knew she knew he understood. Life was full of hardships, and you could only take them one at a time. Not everything could be perfect. He very well knew what he was asking of her when he requested that she try to find somebody to watch the sunsets with. It wasn't a small ask, wasn't something you laughed at and got a day later. It was a weighted question, and he knew it. It was hard. But he wanted her to tell him that she would, if he didn't come back. If. Not when. He wasn't an optimist, but he wasn't going to give up before he even tried. He would just prepare himself for both outcomes.

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The silence stretched on long past his question, but somehow he knew what she was going to say. He wasn't worried. Whether she followed through or not, that was questionable, but he wouldn't have to worry about it either way. When she did speak, he inclined his head slightly to show he had heard. He understood the hesitancy, then the silence. Finally, he did say something that was hopefully less bleak. "If you would enjoy it, I would be honored to be the person you watch sunsets with, if it can end like that." Rhys mused evenly, tilting his head just slightly. Her words quickly chased his... and the sunsets will always remind me of you. A faint chuckle, quiet but there, spilled out. Surprising to even him. Why he was practically laughing at that, he didn't know. Well, maybe he did. "I couldn't hear anything better."

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Honestly, he felt lucky. Even a mere 4 or so conversations that were meaningful, and countless ones before that, was enough to make him feel like he won the lottery. He found a light in a place he thought there was no light, and there was no feeling like that. She had done mighty good for him, whether she realized it or not. And knowing that if he didn't come back, she would at least remember him... it was comforting. At least someone would. He remembered the people that had died before him, for him, and against all odds... maybe he'd be remembered as well.

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Maybe it was the actions of a man feeling death knocking at the door, but he turned and reached for her hand, gently cradling it in his calloused one. "The only regret I have is not getting to know you sooner, Phoebe. I hope you know that you truly are a light to this rather dark world, a light I got lucky enough to stumble upon. Remember that. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." He smiled slightly, a real smile. A smile he really did only reserve for her, because he didn't smile for anyone else. "I have to go now. Thank you for giving me what no one else did." With that, he let go of her and turned, moving back out of the garden, praying it wasn't the last time.

Phoebe Nightlingale

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The small smiles and brief sounds of amusement that came from Rhys were engraved into Phoebe`s memory the moment she heard them. Even if she didn`t want to admit it, she was desperate to hold onto every single second that he spent with her, regardless of what could happen the moment he decided to walk away. When he spoke of watching sunsets with her, her smile grew a little at the idea. Instead of speeaking in response, she had nodded, but even then it was her smile that showed her acceptance and approval of his words. Rhys was making things difficult, especially when he said that her words of the sunset reminding her of him.. She didn`t want to let him go, didn`t want to lose him because of another man`s greed and selfishness. If he never came back, she silently prayed that at least it would be a peaceful passing and not a prolonged one. The mere thought of him not returning nearly caused her smile to vanish, but it was then that he reached out and held her hand like it was the most precious thing in the world. Her eyes widened at the sensation, this one being different than the first time they had held hands. His grip was firm for once, as if he didn`t want to let go.

``Rhys..`` Phoebe whispered his name at his words, her gaze softening even further while her entire body relaxed. She wanted to tell him that he meant just as much to her as she did for him, but the words died on her tongue. Worry and anxiety were prevailing over her need to remain in the present, to focus on the man that was standing right here with her. A pang of hurt jolted through her body as he let go of her hand and headed out of the garden, her smile vanishing and turning into a frown. God, why did she have to lose her voice the one moment she needed it. A deep breath escaped her as she continued to watch him, praying over and over again that he would be okay and that she had no real reason to worry other than about the aftermath. Her head lowered along with her gaze, dismay and desperation overwhelming her entire mind, body, and soul.. but most importantly her heart.

She spent what felt like hours at that fountain, lingering around as she basked in the cold air. Phoebe didn`t want to go back into the castle.. not yet, anyways. She didn`t want to potentially disrupt or ruin whatever Rhys had decided to do. Besides, she needed the tranquility and peace that only nature could provide. She took in another deep breath, shifting on the fountain`s edge to instead lie down on her back to peer up at the darkening sky. As time progressed, she slowly realized just how much she cared about him, more so than she originally thought. If he didn`t come back.. she knew it would feel like her heart had been ripped out of her chest.