Mytho wasn't surprised anymore when the guards told him they found Rue sneaking out the castle late at night. Instead of being hurt and confused he had learned to come face her with a level head and a gentle voice, no matter how difficult it was becoming these days.

"Rue," He was careful with her name, nothing but a fragile syllable.

"How'd you find me this time?" She was still in her nightgown, a thin sheer thing that did nothing to stave off the cold night air.

"The cook saw you and alerted the guards."

"Of course," She blew a strand of hair out of her face. "You know what they say: Loose lips sink ships. All the damn time."

"Not this time," Mytho shook his head. "Rue, the Raven is the dead. There's no need to run. There never was a need. What can I say so you'll understand that?" He could feel the Raven blood rising, wanting to take advantage of his frustration, but he suppressed it before it could make him to regret even more.

"But you don't understand I'm cruel and evil and impure! I'm the one who corrupted you, even a prince as good as you can't love me!"

"Yes, I can," His words came out in a low growl. "I love you so much Rue, it hurts. You're thinking that I hate you now, but I promise that I have never hated you."

"Liar," Red eyes glowed with pure desperation. "I hurt you even now, that's all I do. If you let me leave then I could finally be a monster in peace. I wouldn't hurt you or anything else."

You still don't know what I never said. You don't know how even before shattering my heart, I was a flawed and imperfect prince. Hubris made me fight the Raven without accepting any help, and I led my country into a decade of turmoil with out a leader.

Still that wouldn't make her understand. The night always had that quality that magnified worries and anxieties. In the day's light, her emotions would cool, but for now the self loathing was swallowing her whole. Mytho understood, he struggled with those same demons as well. It was just agonizing being unable to help her in any way.

"Ahiru and Fakir are coming to visit them soon. Will you stay long enough so you can see them?" If she doubted his love, hopefully she will trust their love for her.

"I guess," She was hesitant to take his hand, but eventually they made their way to their room.

"Do you want to sleep in my bed with me."

"Mhmn," Slowly he wrapped his arm around her waist, when she responded to her touch, he pulled her close so that their foreheads were touching.

"You deserve better than me, Mytho."

"You're the one who deserves better than me," Rue deserved someone who could help her better when the Raven days.

"I love you." Hopefully those words would be enough for now.