"Are you sure you must go today?" Vela's naked body, hidden by the silk quilt, trembled, her eyes filled with concern.
"I have spent too long here, though I want to return with you..."
He reached out and stroked her soft silver hair, their evening together quite intense after a long separation. "And the enemy won't let us."
"Asura, I know we must protect the kingdom... but! You've just come back. Can I send you out like this once again?!" Her eyes dripped with tears as she grasped his wrist, holding tight. Asura felt her tears resemble ocean colour gemstones, sparkling in the morning sun. "Can't you stay?"
'Vela...'
His chest felt tight—there wasn't enough reason to deny her. At last, in his heart but his mind, he knew the enemy wouldn't take the loss easily. 'Their next attack will be devastating, we must weather it or the entire kingdom will be affected.'
"Forgive me Vela, although I want to remain with you..."
