Draven was too shocked to even process her hand on his body, let alone her pleading voice.
"Please," she whispered again, "don't leave."
Draven's eyes turned to Sebastian, silently asking for help. However, Sebastian just shrugged and flashed one of his boyish grins, as if telling him to deal with the situation himself.
Draven sighed and tilted his head to get a better look at her tear-streaked face. Tears still glistened in her eyes..
"Sebastian," he said without looking up, "Go see what has scared her."
Sebastian winked, as if he had been waiting for this command to go confront whoever had dared to hurt the queen.
As Sebastian left, Draven felt Madeline tighten her grip on him.
"Let me take you to bed," he said, holding her hand. This time, she nodded and followed him.
The quietness of the corridor enveloped them, leaving neither of them speaking a word except for the sound of their feet thudding on the ground.
