A month without seeing his son, and Magnus was gloomier than ever. Not to mention that he was stuck with Jonas Agallon and Felix Gaebras, who were completely and utterly unbearable to be around when they were together.
Peace and quiet never came easily for Magnus.
Currently, the two rebels were chatting away about a very sensitive topic for Magnus, unaware of his presence.
Magnus did not know that Jonas had a sister, and he definitely did not know that Lucia had met her before. However, all of that was not important to Magnus. Technically, this entire conversation held irrelevant information, but it rubbed at his skin anyway.
Felix Gaebras was going to marry Jonas's sister, Felicia Agallon, and is currently asking for his blessing. Magnus smirked at the irony between their similar names.
Irrelevant.
Images of his own wedding flashed through his head. The arranged marriage, the dead bodies, the blood of rebels that pooled under everyone's feet. Both he and Cleo forcing vile marriage vows out of their mouths.
And that just reminded Magnus of his fantasy of re-marrying her when he was 6ft underground, his promise to the both of them that never got a chance of fulfillment. The pain of losing her was still boiling scalding hot in his blood.
But that didn't, couldn't prevent life going on as simple as it could ever be.
Cleo always enjoyed simplicity in life. She was a spoiled brat who thrived on wine and partying before Magnus's father invaded her kingdom.
She longed for the easy times dearly even after her throne was reclaimed, the memory marking another failure regarding all Magnus wished to give her.
The familiar pang in his chest that never happened to go away pulsed and thrummed as he turned away and headed back to his office.
Despite practically burying his head in work till sunset, nothing seemed to resolve his trembling hands. Magnus had long resigned to the fact that he wouldn't get much sleep that night, if any at all.
A tall figure blocked the way out the door, hand raised to knock. Felix.
Sighing loudly, he gestured the assassin inside for privacy, having a very "vague" idea of what he was about to say.
"Magnus...please don't...don't...um-freak out." Felix Gaebras started.
Alas, he already had, hours ago, though he definitely appreciated the effort his friend (who was the most insensitive person Magnus had ever known, second only to his father) was making to spare his feelings. Magnus remained silent, simply prompting Felix to go on.
"I-I know you're still, you know, with..." Felix cleared his throat. "...and Luka and all that."
Magnus felt a warm flame ignite in his heart Felix's inability to say her name. He was relieved to see he wasn't the only one after all this time, even if it was simply sympathy that compelled Felix to do so this one time. "Go ahead." He heard himself say.
"W-what?!"
"Take as much time as you wish."
The shocked expression on Felix's face was priceless while he flushed a brilliant red as he realized that Magnus had overheard his conversation with Jonas. "I-thank you."
"How long would you like? And when? I need to arrange things."
"Originally, 2 days, but...if you're sure..."
The words stumbled out without a second thought. "Two months."
Felix's eyes widened. "I-I was going to say a week."
Magnus scoffed coldly. "Two months," he insisted again. "No less. The most precious memories together are always formed at the beginning."
Silence, and then, "Thank you. That's more than enough time." It was the quietest Magnus had ever heard Felix speak, yet, the volumes of gratitude threatened to push Magnus down deep into the ground.
The first genuine smile Magnus had donned in years came into existence at that moment, despite its evident fragility. "There will never be enough time Felix," he told him. "But it is something that should be cherished at all costs, especially the quiet and peaceful moments. Cleo and I never got that. Treat your girl well, and congratulations."
Perhaps Magnus would get to some sleep after all. Though he did pray that his deceased wife would pay him a visit in his dreams.