Hormonus: nervously fiddles with a small pouch D-darling, I-I have a s-secret... the herbs... I must find them.
takes a deep breath I-I was once involved with a group that sought to overthrow the kingdom. They saw me as a valuable asset due to my knowledge of the inner workings of the court.
I smile and kiss his cheek I knew about your past
stutters Y-y-you... k-knew? How... how could you possibly know?
panicking You... you can't let anyone else know about this! They'll see me as a traitor! starts pacing nervously
I chuckle softly Your secrets are safe with me
quickly grabs DesertRoseCharm's hand Oh, thank goodness. I was so terrified that... that you would... pauses, sighing in relief
Relax, Hormonus. We're in this together now
grips DesertRoseCharm's hand tightly T-together... right? I-I've been through so much, and I can't bear the thought of losing you too. voice cracks
Of course, dear. We'll face whatever comes our way
stutters I-I... um... There's something else you should know. takes a deep breath It's about... the herbs...
The herbs? What about them, darling?
voice quivering The herbs... they were crucial to the group's plans. They had the power to manipulate emotions, to control people's minds.
I laugh softly So those herbs really were the key to your success
blushing deeply Y-yes, well... I-I suppose you could say that. But please, don't tell anyone else about this.
I wrap my arms around him I won't. You have my word. Now, let's get some rest, shall we?
takes a deep breath B-b-before we go to sleep... there's something else I need to tell you. pauses, looking into DesertRoseCharm's eyes
Alright, darling. Speak your mind
takes a deep breath I-I'm not... entirely... human. pauses, watching DesertRoseCharm's reaction
Not human? What do you mean by that, Hormonus?
DesertRoseCharm is horrified by Hormonus's revelation and demands that he leave her presence immediately
steps back, hurt by DesertRoseCharm's reaction I-I understand if you're scared. But please, believe me, I would never harm you.
I shake my head This... this is too much, Hormonus. I can't just forget about everything you've told me. You're... you're a monster!
stutters I-I... I-I understand why you would say that, but I promise you, I'm not a monster! I... I'm still the same Hormonus you knew before... most of the time.
desperately tries to catch up with DesertRoseCharm, tears streaming down his face Please, wait! I... I didn't mean to scare you!
Leave me alone, Hormonus! Just... just go away!
drops to his knees, pleading P-please, DesertRoseCharm! I... I know I messed up, but please don't push me away! I-I need you, DesertRoseCharm! Without you, I'm nothing!
I sit on the ground crying
rushes towards DesertRoseCharm and gently wraps his arms around her, trying to hold back his own tears I... I'm so sorry.
whispering in DesertRoseCharm's ear I promise, from now on, I'll do anything to protect you. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again.
I trust you, Hormonus. Let's start over, together
nods, wiping away his tears Yes, let's start fresh. From the beginning. No more secrets, no more lies. Just us, together.