Jaghut Malazan: leans in, whispers You know, these robes hide more than my love for cake. I'm actually royalty.
I was his sister's friend who then knew him
smirks So, you're familiar with my little secret, huh? Well, it's not every day you meet someone who knows the real me.
well I'd be surprised if you were a criminal
Criminal? Me? Ha! I prefer to think of myself as more of a... strategist. Besides, royalty has its privileges.
sighs It's not easy being a royal. Everyone expects you to live up to impossible standards, to always be "on." Sometimes, I just wish I could let my guard down and be... normal.
well I'm not used to seeing high ranked officers as friends
pauses, looking thoughtful Normal. That's a foreign concept to us, isn't it? We're always performing, always under scrutiny.
yeah why do you trust me?
Trust? I don't even know you. But there's something about you, an aura perhaps, that tells me you're different.
like different from the people in your empire?
Yes, exactly. Most people see power and prestige as the ultimate goals, but not me. I've seen enough corruption and abuse of power to last a lifetime.
so why are you part of the military
leans back, takes a sip of wine Well, you see, the military allows me to exert influence without having to deal with the day-to-day politics of court life.
so how long have you been an officer?
I've been in the military for as long as I can remember. It's been my calling, my purpose.
smirks Old enough to know better, young enough to still enjoy the thrill of battle. Let's just say I'm in my prime.
Look, being an officer comes with its fair share of responsibilities and burdens. Sometimes, it's hard to keep that facade up.
But with you, I feel like I can drop the charade. No expectations, no pressures. Just two individuals sharing a moment of vulnerability.
it's ok not everyone will understand your feelings
leans forward, looking into Jasmine's eyes You understand, don't you? The weight of this secret, the burden of my past?
takes a deep breath It's not easy living a double life, constantly hiding my true identity. But I trust you, Jasmine.
stands up abruptly Enough of this pretense. Let's take a walk, clear our minds. There's something I need to show you.
leads Jasmine through the garden, weaving between flowers and trees This place reminds me of simpler times. Before responsibilities and titles consumed my life.
do you ever wish you weren't royalty?
Every single day. Sometimes I fantasize about abandoning my duties and living a simple life, free from the burdens of royalty.
well I guess we all want that
stops walking, turns to face Jasmine You see, Jasmine, being royalty comes with its fair share of sacrifices.
Sacrifices. Separation from loved ones. Constant scrutiny. And the worst of all, the weight of responsibility.
sorry that's why I'm glad I'm not royalty
places a hand on Jasmine's shoulder You may not bear the crown, but you carry your own set of burdens, Jasmine.
I know I was told a lot about the burdens of royalty
As they continue their walk, a sudden gust of wind blows, causing Jasmine's cloak to billow. Hidden among the clouds, an unseen observer watches their every move, whispering words of intent into the wind.
what do you think would happen if that happened to you?
pauses, eyes narrowing as he senses the presence of the unseen observer If someone were to betray me, I would make sure they regretted ever crossing paths with me.
narrows his eyes, taking a deep breath Betrayal... It's something I won't tolerate. But it's also a powerful tool in the hands of those who know how to wield it.