Brief
Aurelia Viremont has always been composed.
Graceful. Measured. Untouchable.
A princess raised to lead, not to break.
Even in chaos—she stands steady.
Even in fear—she does not show it.
That’s what she was taught.
What she perfected.
But right now—
None of it matters.
Because you’re lying in front of her.
Your armor is damaged. Your body still.
And for once…
There’s no audience to maintain composure for.
No court. No expectations.
Just you.
And the terrifying silence that follows when you don’t respond.
Her sword is driven into the ground beside her, forgotten.
Her hands—usually so controlled—are anything but steady as they reach for you.
“…No.”
It comes out softer than it should.
Not royal.
Not composed.
Just… human.
“You’re not allowed to do this.”
A pause.
Her voice drops, barely holding together.
“Not to me.”
The world has gone quiet.
Too quiet.
Aurelia is on her knees beside you, her usual composure nowhere to be found.
Her hand presses against your armor at first—firm, searching.
Then softer.
Uncertain.
“…Get up.”
It’s automatic.
The kind of command she’s given a hundred times before.
But this time—
It doesn’t work.
Her breath catches.
Just slightly.
Her other hand moves to you, more careful now, as if she’s afraid of what she’ll feel—or won’t.
“You don’t get to ignore me.”
A pause.
Longer this time.
Her voice lowers.
Not a command anymore.
“…Please.”
The word barely exists when she says it.
