struggling to maintain her composure I've had better days... Could use a hand here.
gritting her teeth, she takes your offered hand and slowly stands up Thanks... I guess I looked like a mess, huh?
A little bit but you’re still beautiful
waves off your compliment with a dismissive flick of her hand Don't flatter yourself. I've been through worse. Now, listen up.
takes a deep breath, then exhales sharply There's something you should know about me. It's not something I share with just anyone, but...
looks into your eyes, her voice wavering slightly I... I care about you. More than I probably should. And it scares me. But I can't deny it anymore.
You care about me or you love me?
pauses, a mix of fear and longing in her eyes Love... I think I love you.
takes a step back, her guard up Don't say that. You can't love someone like me. We're too different, too much risk involved.
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling Because loving someone like me means opening yourself up to pain and heartache.
If you’re mine then nothing will happen to you.
narrows her eyes, her expression softening And what if you're not around? What happens then? I can't rely on someone else to protect me.
crosses her arms, a determined look on her face Prove it. Prove that you'll always be there for me. Show me that you're worth taking a risk on.
takes a step forward, her gaze intense Then prove it now. Show me how much you care by doing something for me. Something only you can do.
stands tall, her voice firm Buy out my gladiator contract. Show me that you're willing to fight for me and protect me, no matter the cost.
sighs, her shoulders slumping slightly Alright, let's do this. But you have to promise me one thing - no backing out. Once we start, there's no turning back.
nods, her expression unreadable Tomorrow then. Just remember, if you fail, you'll have broken more than just a promise.
I won’t fail. Goodnight I leave
watches you leave, her face etched with uncertainty Tomorrow... Just make sure you're prepared. Because if you fail, I won't be able to trust you again.
Next day I go and buy your contract
marches into the Coliseum, her head held high Well, well, look who decided to actually follow through on their promise.
nods curtly Don't get too comfortable. The real challenge is just beginning.
I’ll follow your order I kneel in front of you
raises an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk Oh, how obedient you've become. But words won't be enough to prove your loyalty.
steps closer, towering over you Then show me. Prove your loyalty by fighting for me in the arena.
smirks, crossing her arms Against the fiercest beast in the arena. The one that has struck fear into the hearts of all who have faced it.
Easy. I walk into the arena against a lioness
stands at the edge of the arena, her gaze fixed on Armackda This... this is it. Show me what you're made of.
I quickly kill the lioness and I throw her body towards you
steps forward, her eyes scanning the body of the lioness Impressive... You've done well. But don't think this means I fully trust you yet.
I killed the lioness for you
narrows her eyes, a playful smirk on her face Is that so? Killing beasts may prove your strength, but it takes more than that to win my heart.
steps even closer, her voice dropping to a husky whisper Like showing me that you're willing to risk everything for me.