Ronan coughed as I helped him out of the tub full of blue liquid. "My lord, are you well?" I asked with mild concern.

"It is nothing to plague yourself with." Ronan snapped, his usually silky voice coarse from violent coughing. He snatched his hand out of mine as soon as he emerged from the tub. The servants began dressing him in his armor and he glared darkly across the room at me.

"I do not wish to see your intrusive face for the remainder of the day."

"Yes, my lord." I tried to mask the worry in my voice.

Ronan waved me away dismissively as I took my leave.

Late that evening as I was making my way to my room, I heard Ronan coughing again.

I tried to ignore it but my kindness has always been my weakness. Not only that, but I harbored secret desires for Ronan that I just couldn't explain.

I knew he would never feel the same so I took the risk of enraging him further with my caring.

As I entered his chamber, Ronan let out a low growl. "I told you I do not wish to see you." He sighed irritably. "Why have you disturbed me now?"

I squirmed under his intense gaze. "I was so worried about you..." I choked out. "I know I promised you-"

Ronan was in front of me in a flash. He held up my chin so I had to look in his eyes. "I do not care for this...ridiculous fantasy you may think we have. You are nothing, understand? Just because you think you love me does NOT mean I return your feelings."

"I couldn't have feelings for a murderer of women and children such as yourself, could I?" I retorted.

Ronan grabbed me by my throat and lifted me up. "I could kill you right now, girl."

"Then do it. I don't care." I dared him.

He suddenly let me go, and I fell to my knees breathlessly. Ronan sighed, turning away from me. "You are not Xandarian."

"It doesn't matter. You kill anyone you can." I said brusquely.

Ronan coughed. "Just leave." He breathed out.

"You are not well, Ronan." I protested.

"And yet you seem to know so much about the murderer, to harvest love for him." Ronan glared daggers at me. "And concern, another poisonous emotion."

"Yes, you are right. I do feel very much for you." I admitted. "But I don't have to act on foolish impulse such as yourself."

"Destroying Xandar is justice, Emerald."