he didn't want

to make it harder for her,

so only lies tumbled out of his lips.

he spoke of great treasures

and the lives of kings and queens,

of things he hasn't even

seen himself.

she believed him,

but he didn't realize

that it wasn't because he

was a sweet-talker.

'she loved me,'

he realized

after he stabbed her,

the blood ushering

itself out.