Nicholas's POV:
I woke up from a terrible dream, only to notice that Talia wasn't by my side. Briefly, my mind went wild, and my system was alarmed, only calming down when I saw her sitting on a chair. She seemed lost in thought, staring out the window, wrapped in a thick white robe with her knees up against her chest and her hands around a steaming mug. She was blowing into the cup. The sight of her was the most peaceful, beautiful and homely I have ever seen. I would do anything never to lose this Queen of mine. I didn't need any soothsayer to tell me that yes, she was my missing rib.
I watched her for a long time before she glanced in my direction. When she did, there was a flash of something, was it regret, was it fear? It punched me right in the gut, but then it disappeared, and she got a shy little smile on her face. Was she putting on a mask for me, or was she just torn up inside with conflicting emotions, just like me?
