Color drained from his face, leaving it ashen, as if his very soul had fled. His eyes, once bright, now seemed hollow.
I don't expect grand revelations, I thought, curiosity getting the better of me. Why is he doing this?
As I gazed into his eyes, I sensed a turmoil brewing beneath his composed surface. His thoughts seemed a thousand leagues away, his mind wrestling with demons he dared not voice.
His smile faltered, lips twisting into a strained, fake grin. "My lady, what are you saying? I've always been like this." His words echoed with insincerity, his face betraying a different truth. A story of hidden pain and secrets lurked behind those haunted eyes.
I hesitated, wary of probing further, lest I unravel a thread best left untouched. "If you say so, Your Highness, I'll believe you."
As I gazed down the winding path, a figure emerged from the distance, riding a steed. He approached with haste, his face set in a stern expression.
