I took a final look around the room that had been my home for the last few days. Today, Ido and I must continue on our journey. Last night, we had completed our plans for the negotiation of the peace treaty. For once, the mission did not seem so impossible, but a part of me wanted to stay at the Sua Manor, where it was safe and full of happiness. In the short time, I had grown to like Lord Sua and his grandchildren more and more. It pained me to have to leave so soon.

I moved towards the door and stepped out into the hallway. Suddenly, Ido's own door slide open and I turned expectantly to meet him. Instead, I saw a girl bowing in retreat, her long robes rippling against the floor.

"Thank you, Lord Ido," she said, her voice as soft and sweet as honey. Her hair was looped in the traditional braid of an unmarried maiden. She must be Lord Sua's youngest daughter.

She gently eased the door close. As she turned to leave, her large, doe-like eyes met mines, and I could see the wet glistening of tears. She bowed to me, color rising in her fair complexion, and hurriedly left. I stared after her.

What was she doing in Ido's room?

And why had she been crying?

A torrent of thoughts ran through my mind and nothing helped to ease the feeling of confusion and anxiousness in my heart.

"Lady Eona," Nikos voice cut through my thoughts. "Are you alright?" He asked when he saw my face.

I breathed. "I am alright." Seeing the girl should not cause me such anxiousness.

"You do not want to leave." I gave a small nod. It was true, thought it was not the reason for my worries. Nikos smiled, "You are more honest with your feelings than Myka gives you credit for." He laughed at my startled - and guilty - face and explained. "Myka tells me a lot about you. She told me you are a very kind master and very brave."

My heart swelled with pride at Nikos' words. Myka had thought me kind and brave. She is the one who is kind and brave for loving me so blindly when she barely knew me.

"She also told me you often hide your true feelings," Nikos continued, "but you have been honest with us all on this journey. You do not know how much I appreciate that, Lady Eona. As a hired sword, I do not often receive as much respect as I have from you during this journey."

"I don't understand," I said. "I haven't done anything."

"You have openly included me and the other guards in your plans. We are not generals nor do we hold any position that allows such prestige. As guards, our job is to blindly follow orders, even if it means our deaths, but you have given us the chance to strategize and plan – a chance to take our lives into our own hands."

I flushed. I did not deserve this respect. "It was Ido's idea to include you all in the planning," I said.

"But it was you who agreed when you could have refused," Nikos replied. "Although this mission seems impossible, I believe in your wisdom and your counsel. You have my respect and my allegiance, Lady Eona. I will do as you command."

His smile and words were heavy on my heart. There were so many lives at stake, and here I was, selfishly desiring to hide where it was safe and worrying about a girl in Ido's room. A girl who had been crying. I pushed the thought from my mind.

"Thank you, Nikos," I smiled back. "You have put things back into perspective for me."

/*/

We gathered at the great stone gates of the Sua Manor to say our goodbyes. The children gathered around Nikos and Ari, laughing happily at Nikos' jokes. Piet and Lord Sua spoke quietly together while Loc stood brooding at a distance. I did not have time to concern myself over Loc as I found myself gazing toward Ido's direction. The scene from earlier that day appeared in my mind despite my determination to not let the image of Lord Sua's tearful daughter disturb me.

The little girl that had fallen before Ido the other day was holding out a small flower to him. I saw him accept and a look of pure happiness formed on the girl's face. My heart leapt against my chest.

"Lady Eona, may I have a final, private word?" Lord Sua's smiling face materialized before my face, blocking my view of Ido.

Startled, I stammered, "Yes, of course."

We moved away from the others. He was hesitant. His face no longer held his usual wide smile. His eyes were keenly observing as he said, "There have been rumors that the emperor has begun the selection of his empress."

I blinked, my mind was blank. I knew I should be upset, but instead, I felt… relief.

Minutes passed in silence as we stood there, neither saying a word. "I see the news does not bother you, Lady Eona," he said at last, with a nod of his head. Then he threw back his head and laughed. "I had guessed as much."

I was shocked by the accuracy of his words, and once again reminded of his shrewd wisdom. This man had not climbed to power through luck. Slowly, I nodded.

"My lady," he said, "please allow me to impart a few last words of advice before we part."

"You may speak."

"You must listen to the truth in your own heart, Lady Eona. Or you will never find happiness." Lord Sua smiled down on me, like a father would smile to his daughter before he sends her off on her wedding day – worried and sad at the lost of his daughter, but at the same time, full of pride and hope for her future. I felt a rush of compassion for the man I have only known for so little time and his kindness towards me.

"Thank you, Lord Sua. I am most honored to receive advice from a man as wise as you," I replied, hoping he would see the respect I had for him through my words.

His smile widened, "Then I bid you a safe journey. I hope to see you again one day. You and Lord Ido."

"I too hope to see you again," I said, returning his smile.

Lord Sua and his grandchildren bowed as we left. I watched as their figures grew smaller and disappeared over my shoulders.

"Listen to the truth in your own heart."

I already knew what my heart wanted to tell me. I should have known from the day I volunteered myself for this mission, but a part of me had refused the truth. But now, I can no longer lie to myself.

I do not love Kygo.

Author's Notes:

Have you started noticing how cheesy I am yet? Haha. It'll only get worse I'm afraid ._.;

ElizaX: Thanks! :)