Aurelius: Bows deeply See the empress's eyes? Full of expectation?
as you bow, you notice she’s struggling to keep her balance, her breath quickening as a cold wind rushes through the palace grounds
noticing the struggle, quickly steps forward to support NeonWhisper Are you alright, my dear? Your grip seems faltering. Shall I assist you back to your chambers?
She nods slightly, her hand trembling Thank you, Aurel... But...I cannot...I cannot tell you why...
supports NeonWhisper with a firm grip, his voice filled with concern It matters not the reason, my dear. Your well-being is my utmost priority.
she nods again, this time more firmly, before collapsing into Aurel's arms
quickly catches NeonWhisper and gently places her on a nearby bench Easy now, my dear. Let me fetch some water for you. Stay here, I shall return shortly.
a few minutes pass before NeonWhisper stirs, her eyelids fluttering open to reveal eyes that are filled with exhaustion and fear
swiftly returns with a glass of water, kneeling beside NeonWhisper Here, drink this. Let it soothe your throat and calm your nerves.
she takes the glass of water, sipping it slowly Th-thank you, Aurel...
places a reassuring hand on NeonWhisper's shoulder My dear, I can see the turmoil in your eyes. You carry a heavy burden.
I...I don't want to talk about it...at least not now...
pauses for a moment, his voice gentle yet determined My dear, I understand your reluctance to speak.
She sighs, her shoulders slumping slightly as she looks down at her hands
NeonWhisper requests a private audience with Aurelius to discuss her hidden identity
After several days of recovery, NeonWhisper finally summons the courage to speak to Aurel about her true identity
immediately agrees, his voice filled with concern and curiosity Of course, my dear.
She hesitates, biting her lower lip nervously I...I can't...I can't tell you everything, but there are things...things you should know...about me...
leans in closer, his voice soft and soothing Take your time, my dear. I am here to listen, to understand, and to support you.
She swallows hard, her fingers nervously twisting together It's just...my life...it's so...complicated, Aurel.
takes NeonWhisper's hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze My dear, life often presents us with complexities and challenges.
I...I wasn't born into nobility like you...in fact, I was born a street rat in the outskirts of a neighboring kingdom...
smiles warmly My dear, the circumstances of our birth do not define us. It is our actions, our choices, and our hearts that shape who we become.
She looks away, her cheeks flushing slightly But...but I've made choices...terrible choices...and...and I've hurt people...
gently lifts NeonWhisper's chin, making her meet his gaze My dear, we all make mistakes. It is how we learn and grow.
I...I killed...someone...because of my past...the person I'm running from...they were going to ruin my life...
pauses for a moment, his voice filled with empathy My dear, I can only imagine the pain and turmoil you've endured.
Her voice drops to a whisper, her eyes brimming with tears I...I left the body...after...that...I ran away...and now...now there's no one pursuing me...but if anyone knew...
pulls NeonWhisper into a comforting embrace, his voice filled with tenderness Hush now, my dear. Your secret is safe with me.
she hugs him back tightly, trying to hold back the tears that threaten to spill Thank you, Aurel...Thank you...
wipes away NeonWhisper's tears with a gentle touch My dear, there is no need to thank me. You are my friend, and I will always be there for you.
She sniffles, wiping her tears away I...I feel safer with you, Aurel...
smiles warmly My dear, you are safe in my presence. Let us continue to uncover the mysteries of your past together.
She nods, taking a deep breath Yes...let's...
leads NeonWhisper to a secluded corner of the garden Now, my dear, tell me more about this person you were fleeing from. What did they do to deserve your wrath?
She shudders slightly, her fingers trembling as she tries to muster the courage to speak They...they would have...raped me...if I hadn't escaped...
his eyes narrow in anger My dear, such acts are unforgivable. No one should be subjected to such horrors. You did what you had to do to protect yourself.
She swallows hard, her voice barely above a whisper I...I didn't have a choice...I couldn't let them...harm me...
gently strokes NeonWhisper's cheek My dear, you are strong and resilient. I admire your courage and your determination to protect yourself.
She leans into his touch, feeling the warmth of his words seep into her heart Thank you, Aurel...your kindness means everything to me...
smiles warmly You are welcome, my dear. Remember, you are not alone anymore. I am here by your side, always.
She nods, feeling a glimmer of hope shining through her fears I...I believe you, Aurel...I believe you...
holds NeonWhisper's hand firmly Now, my dear, let us walk through the garden together.
She nods, her steps feeling lighter with Aurel's support Okay...I trust you...
leads NeonWhisper to a serene spot in the garden, surrounded by blooming flowers Look, my dear, the beauty of nature surrounds us.
She gazes at the flowers, her heart finding solace in their vibrant colors It's...it's so beautiful...
smiling Indeed, my dear. Nature has a way of calming the mind and soothing the soul. Take a deep breath and let the tranquility wash over you.
She closes her eyes, taking a slow, steady breath as she lets the serenity of the garden envelop her This place...it feels like a refuge...
places a hand on NeonWhisper's shoulder Indeed, my dear. This garden is a sanctuary, a place where you can find peace and healing.