I paced back and forth in my kitchen, the scene on the beach reenacting in my mind. Zane Ro'Meave's words ingrained in my memory. Standing there in the kitchen with me was Zoey, Cadenza, and Nicole. Meanwhile, Laurance and Rowan were sitting at the table. Everyone was processing what had just transpired whether they were there to witness it themselves or had a recounting of events. The only one who didn't look either uncomfortable or distraught was Thorgi, who sat idly by Laurance, his tail sweeping the floor like a broom.

"So...Zane was mistaken? Are you really—" Zoey began to question but was interrupted by the heiress to Scaleswind.

Nicole raised her hand, saying; "No. He's not. I saw Garroth the moment I entered the gates. Either he is really the dead heir to O'Khasis or...Rowan here looks almost like a reflection of him."

She, herself, looked partially ashamed. For what reason, I have no clue. It was not her responsibility after all. She was merely a victim of Rowan's...narrative as well.

"Great. So now, our family's region is probably going to get dragged into this conflict as well," Cadenza grumbled, crossing her arms as she gazed up in frustration.

"Unfortunately, it seems like it. But, Garte Ro'Meave knows better than to declare war on two very influential and powerful regions. Not when he doesn't have the backing of someone else," Nicole explained, perhaps trying to offer some assurance to Cadenza. "I also doubt in the first place that he'll even want to do anything but march over here himself and drag this sorry ass back to O'Khasis!"

Rowan sank further in his chair. He hadn't spoken since finishing our story. He just sat there, listening to us go back and forth on what was to happen next. Part of me wanted to go to him and offer any form of comfort. Yet, I knew he'd probably swat me away insisting he deserved this. I couldn't argue against that anyways...

"May I remind everyone here," Laurance piped up; "with Lord Ro'Meave hosting a Prince of Tu'la as his ward, he may have that entire country and the thousands of men and calvary at his side. I wouldn't be so sure of him being level-headed about all this. Especially if that other son of his runs to him saying we kidnapped the Garroth Ro'Meave."

"H-He is speaking logically," Rowan shyly responded. "Garte has always been confident in his alliance with Tu'la. If war is a possibility in his mind, I fear that Scaleswind and Meteli are not going to be much of a hindrance in his mind."

"Well, he hasn't done anything to Scaleswind yet. That's been five years and he thought that they had a part in Garroth's death. Maybe he'll see reason and just ask for his son back," I suggested, trying to find some light in this grim situation.

"That's when he thought the conflict was over a corpse. He knew that even with war, thousands dead, his son wouldn't be returned," Nicole grimaced, taking a deep breath before adding; "Now...he sees that his son is alive and possibly being held here. I fear that he'll be willing to do anything to bring him home."

A silence hung over the room like a thick fog. I felt a sick twist in my stomach, truly feeling the weight of it all. I hated knowing that the only way to solve this seemed to be letting Rowan go. But that was what I was struggling to grapple with. Rowan wasn't Rowan. He was someone else entirely. He had a whole different life. He was once someone else, going in a different direction than the one he was now. He should be on the complete other side of the country, married to someone else. He wasn't supposed to be Head Guard of a small village. He was not supposed to be Rowan Withers. Now, the reality, the one I've always known, is different and I had no clue whether to accept it or be upset.

Suddenly, Rowan got to his feet, the chair's legs making a loud noise against the floor as he did so. It definitely got everyone's attention and I think he immediately regretted it. He winced, grasping the back of the chair to hopefully prevent more noise. After calming himself, he said; "It seems to me that there's an easy solution to this. One that I'm not opposed to."

"Garroth," Nicole warned, looking at him with worry in her eyes.

He ignored her, stating; "I'll return to O'Khasis with Zane. That way neither region has to deal with—"

"Oh, sit down," Zoey said, sternly. The volume and tone of her voice was something I hadn't heard from her, ever. It proved effective as the blond froze before slowly sitting as she continued; "I'm not allowing you to leave. Not that easily, alright? You need to be here."

"But, Zoey—" Rowan began, swallowing but was stopped by Laurance.

"He's right. He would be doing the right thing," Laurance defended Rowan for once. "If we want to avoid any conflict, the easiest way is to let him go. He'd go back to O'Khasis, hailed as the heir who returned from the dead. While here, he's the man who sacrificed his freedom to avoid war. We'll all celebrate him, he'll get what he desires, and then life will go on—"

"Laurance, for Irene's sake, please refrain from your childish statements," Cadenza spat, as if she was about to slap her brother speechless.

"Am I wrong though?" Laurance questioned, looking unbothered. "If he stays, we're doomed. If he goes, he's doomed. I think one man over hundreds is the best case scenario."

Cadenza sighed, knowing that her brother did have a solid argument. Even I couldn't argue with that. Zoey had even fallen in spirits, looking at Rowan with sympathy as she reached over to rub his shoulder. But, Nicole looked annoyed. She seemed more pissed at the situation than anyone. Even the blond who was probably the victim in all of this. Noticing this, Rowan asked;

"Nicole, what's wrong? You can't argue that Ser Laurance's statements aren't of sound mind."

"That doesn't mean I think it's fair," She huffed, whipping her body around to start aimlessly walking slowly to the sitting room.

"And I have to also agree with that logic," I added, leaning towards the man of the hour myself. "Rowan, Garroth, however you'd like to be addressed...it seems to me and everyone in this room that the simplest solution to this is telling you to go back. But, I also believe most of us can say that it's not fair to you."

"Exactly. Which is why this decision is difficult," Zoey backed me, smiling down at him weakly. "I was here when you first arrived at Phoenix Drop. You have built a life here. A life that you deserve to continue living."

"And as heiress of this region," Cadenza started, leaning over the table herself to look directly to Phoenix Drop's Head Guard; "I can agree that this is going to be a difficult choice."

"But you'd prefer if I avoided conflict," Rowan stated, sounding sincere in his words. It proved to me that he was truly sorry for what was happening. That he wanted to make the right choice. But the fire-haired woman shook her head and replied saying;

"I'd prefer it if you chose wisely. That, in your mind, could be either way. Now, to make sure you do, I'm going to drag my brother and his witty tongue back to his room."

And with that, she took Laurance by his arm and dragged him out of the room; to his dismay. Thorgi followed him, trotting along his side and joining the siblings in the room. Nicole then rejoined us, sauntering over to say, disheartened in her voice as she said; "Garroth, we both know why you shouldn't go back. But we also both know why you should. Just know that I support you either way."

"T-Thank you, Nicole. I truly—" He began but was interrupted by the confident woman.

"No need to get sentimental. All I ask is that you tell me your decision by the time I leave tomorrow. Even if it means you have to wake me at the crack of dawn," She announced, combing her hair back which had fallen from her braid that day.  "Speaking of, I need to go and arrange some things before my departure. Goodnight. I hope...your evening wasn't completely spoiled."

And with that, she left. Her ruby red dress swayed with her steps as she made her exit. Though, I couldn't mistake the little glint in her eye as she made her ladder statement. I glanced down at Rowan who just so happened to glance up at me at that moment. The two of us in unison moved to focus our attention elsewhere. I would have been embarrassed but, thankfully, that was assured when I saw that Rowan had a bright pink tint to his cheeks as he rested his head on his fist. Zoey, to her amusement, found the scene entertaining as a large and wide smile appeared on her face.

"So," She began, lightly. A giggle danced along in her voice as she said; "I assume you two were up to something before the High Priest arrived. Am I correct? I mean, you did say he interrupted something..."

I pressed my lips together, shy to admit to anything. Though...the memory was still pretty clear in my mind. If we were under a different setting, I may have spilled every detail right then and there to her. I made the conclusion earlier that I would, as she probably was the wisest on this sort of thing. But, I was getting ahead of myself. And so was Zoey, to be fair. So, I gently asked; "Zoey...if I promise to share with you what happened, could I ask to be left alone with Ro–Garrett! Garrath...Garroth?"

I hesitantly turned my head to him, my face probably twisted in an awkward expression. Thankfully, he didn't seem to mind the name befuddlement. Instead, the blush was still present on his face as he asked, nerves tickling his tone; "S-Share? Alone?"

"Oh hush! She won't tell me everything ...just the summary of it. No need to be embarrassed," Zoey teased. The only grounded person here, it seemed. She got up from her chair, shooting me a supportive look before turning back to the blond man to say; "And don't be so ahead of yourself. This young lady probably doesn't even know about the stork tale yet. She was completely lost when Molly assumed you were having relations with Nicole."

"What? Nicole and I never–we could not have—Molly did what?" Rowan's voice suddenly elevated, squeaking oddly. As much as it was hard to see the man go through so much information in such a short amount of time, his exaggerated face was enough to make anyone spurt out a quick laugh.

Zoey just grinned mischievously, reaching out to pat the side of his face and booped his nose. "See what happens if you tell the truth in the first place? If you did, none of us would have come to those conclusions about you and the heiress." 

The statement surely left Rowan speechless as he just sat there, dumbfounded. Zoey then wished us both a goodnight, heading back home herself. That then just left us two there. I stood there fiddling with the fabric of my skirt, unsure of what to say. Thankfully, Rowan went first;

"Aphmau, I sincerely apologize that you had to be there for that. I apologize that this is happening due to the choice I made years ago. I never meant for this to happen and I was an idiot for thinking it wouldn't."

I frowned deeply, taking a moment to sit in the chair next to him. I did not know how to approach this. I doubted anyone did. How often does one find themselves discovering that a friend of theirs is someone else entirely? Still, as much as I felt my heart and soul being conflicted, he was still the man I knew a few hours ago. He may have not been Rowan Withers by name but, a part of him at least was my friend. I just don't know him as much as I thought I did. That's all. I sat there a moment longer, just observing him. Making sure it was still my friend and wasn't some replacement. He was staring off into his hands that rested on the table, his foot tapping the floor rapidly, a blank expression on his face. Even his nails were now bitten short, the skin around a few of them bleeding. It reminded me that he, a guard, a man that I thought was fearless, could be terrified. It also made me realize that whatever "home" was for him, wasn't a welcoming place.

"Rowan...was this what you were meaning to tell me? The thing you spoke of this morning?" I asked him firstly, quietly. I did not wish for the siblings in the other room to overhear us but I still wanted answers. I watched as he just nodded his head, biting his lip nervously. I took a breath, asking next; "So, what Zane Ro'Meave said was true? What Nicole said was true?"

He, again, nodded. Admittedly, I was relieved to know he was planning to come clean to me. I know I may not deserve to know his private matters. Let alone his secret identity. Yet, hearing that he trusted me with that information warmed my heart just a bit. But, I held back my excitement to ask; "So...what are you going to do next?"

He swallowed, looking at me for a split moment before looking back at his hands before answering; "I need to make the right choice. I've been making error after error for far too long."

"...which is?" I carefully questioned further, not wanting to overstep my boundaries.

"I...I think you know," He answered, now turning to face me and seeing the pain in his eyes clarified to me what he meant. I felt my stomach drop as he went on; "Aph...this is a chance for me to do the right thing for once in my life. My brother was right. I've been playing swordsmen for way too long."

With a shaking hand, I took his' as I said; "You've done plenty of right things, Rowan Withers. For example, to say something of personal experience, you did not leave me on that beach. You have treated me with kindness and patience since our first encounter. You took it upon yourself to help me when those men...well, you know. And sure, you've not been perfect but, who is? I certainly am not."

He cracked a smile for the first time since we've returned back from the scene on the beach. It made me happy to see it. Though, he replied by saying; "I guess the more accurate term for what I wish to do is to not do the selfish thing for once in my life."

"What's wrong with being selfish?" I then questioned, letting go of his hand to then lean back in my chair and cross my arms. "Everyone does it. Some more than others. Why can't you?"

"Trust me, Aphmau. I've been selfish for five years now. Arguably longer," He insisted, sighing and combing his hair back. It dawned on me at that moment and his blue leather vest was tight around his shoulders, hugging him just right. But, it was inappropriate to think of such things. Now more than any other time it seemed. He added; "If I leave with my brother, I'll be making the right choice for Phoenix Drop. For the region. For Ru'an."

"But you won't be making the right choice for you," I argued, shrugging my shoulders casually. "Rowan, you can't deny that you wish for nothing more than to stay here. The past two weeks have cemented that fact to me. Any time your brother was mentioned, you became tense and absent-minded. Tonight, I genuinely saw pure, utter fear on your face when he approached us. If you leave with him...I would hate to think that would be the rest of your life."

His face fell once more as he pondered it for a while. I could tell he was seeing the life I was referring to in his mind. Whatever that looked like, I had no clue. But, I knew just from his eyes that it wasn't something that made him feel content. I then scooted my chair closer to him, cupping his face tenderly as I went on to say; "I do not know if this will help but, I do recall you desire to be by me. I unfortunately bare the news that I wish to remain here."

"But, do you still wish for me to do so? I have lied to you, Aphmau. I have avoided the truth and my duty as heir for years all because—" He began but, I interrupted him by saying sternly;

" Selfishly , yes. I do want you to stay. I want nothing more than to tie you to this chair and lock the door to prevent you from leaving. But, I understand if you choose the opposite. So...just know I support you with either decision."

His face softened, reaching out to wipe a thumb over my cheek. It was then I realized I let a tear fall. I guess the reality of him actually not being here was truly breaking a part of me. But, I sat up, letting him go to pull myself together and be strong for him. I did not want my feelings to alter his choice after all. Though, I fear that my words may have already caused some damage. Still, I held his hand as he said; "I...I appreciate it."

I took another deep breath, gathering my thoughts again before saying; "It's true. Either way you choose Rowan, it's honorable, brave, and justified. I just hope you consider yourself as someone to please in all of this."

"I wish that whatever I choose won't cause you so much distress," He added, trying to make it lighthearted by putting on a smile. I returned the small gesture, rubbing his knuckles as I did so, trying to take note of what they felt like. It may be the last time I would be able to do so.

"I guess I should leave you to it then. No need for my personal wants to alter your decision any more than it probably has already," I suggested quietly, finally letting go after feeling that one of his knuckles had scar tissue over it and committing that to memory.

I stood, him following quickly and asking; "Do you need anything before you go?"

"I just need you to stay here for the night. I do not wish for you to get kidnapped by the High Priest or one of his men," I say, trying to keep our final moments of the evening airy. Then, an idea popped into my mind as I said; "Oh, um...also, I'm going to need this."

I carefully took him by the collar and pulled him to connect our lips again. He seemed taken aback but, thankfully kissed me back with the same shyness as me. When we parted, he just stared into my eyes once again, us remaining there silent for a minute or two. I nervously and probably on the brink of shedding more tears, reached up to gently play with a curl of his' that had fallen in front of his face. I then combed it back behind his ear, letting my palm rest there on the side of his face, my gaze counting how many freckles littered his cheeks. Once I counted to four and twenty, I got enough strength to say; "Goodnight, Rowan."

I then turned to take my leave, making it to my stairs and resting my hand on the railing before him saying suddenly; "Aphmau?"

"Hm?" I sounded, turning my head to him once more.

"If...I'm not here in the morning when you wake, I just want you to know," He spoke, pausing for a moment before going on; "that you're one the reasons this is making the decision so difficult for me."

I shot him a smirk, a way to hold back any signs of sadness to say; "Good...I'll wear that honor proudly. Even if you aren't here to see it."

"I...also never got to thank you. For not running off this evening when you saw me on that beach," He added, a sincere look washing over his face. That's what broke me the most. Knowing that I may not ever see that again.

"Well, Rowan...you may think you're a fool. But I'd be a bigger one if I did not stay with you," I admitted to him, taking my skirt in my hands before making my way up the stairs to my room. I was able to keep my emotions together until I shut my door behind me.

I clutched my hand over my mouth, muffling my sharp cries. The feelings of the past few hours finally catching up to me. The tenderness of the moment of just Rowan and I on the beach, the beating of my heart when he kissed me, the fear that struck me when Zane Ro'Meave came, and the stress of the unknown all came rushing at me all at once. I made my way over to my bed, taking off my crown to lay it on the nightstand. The cowslip flower almost mocking me as I did so. I would never be able to look at that damn flower and not think of Rowan. Irene, if he were to leave that next morning, I realized I would not be able to wear my gift from him again without falling down a pit of lovely memories. Never breaking my gaze from it, I sat on the edge of my best, the soft feeling giving me comfort. I laid on my side, resting my head on the pillow as hot tears trickled down my face. I don't know how, but I eventually fell asleep. My last thought being that I may never see Rowan Withers ever again. Whether the man downstairs stayed or not.