Sleep was a stranger to me that night, a distant concept that seemed impossible to grasp. My mind was stuck in a loop, replaying the conversation with Amy over and over again. Her words echoed in my head, reminding me to go easy on Glenn, to figure out what I wanted, to make peace with everything that had happened. But how could I? The weight of it all was crushing, and no matter how many times I turned over, I couldn't get comfortable. My thoughts were a storm, and there was no calming it.
Finally, I gave up. The silence of the prison was suffocating, the darkness pressing in on me. I needed to see him. I needed to make sense of everything swirling around in my head. Without thinking, I slipped out of bed, my feet cold against the concrete floor as I tiptoed down the corridor. The walls felt like they were closing in on me, the shadows darker, more threatening. I found myself at the entrance of Glenn's cell, my heart pounding so hard I was sure it would wake him up.
There he was, lying on his back, his face softened in sleep. He looked peaceful, almost innocent, like the weight of the world had finally let him rest. It was a look I hadn't seen on him in so long, and it tugged at something deep inside me. Before I could talk myself out of it, I quietly entered the cell, my movements slow and cautious. The bed creaked as I crawled in next to him, every sound amplified in the quiet of the night. My heart raced, but I couldn't stop myself.
Glenn stirred slightly, his body shifting as I pressed up against him. For a moment, I thought he might wake up and push me away, but instead, he wrapped an arm around me, pulling me closer. His warmth seeped into me, and for a brief moment, I felt safe. I knew this could cause drama, that this wasn't something we could just brush off in the morning, but in his arms, it was hard to care. I backed up into him, pressing myself against his chest, seeking out the comfort I'd been craving for so long.
But sleep still wouldn't come. The thoughts in my head were too loud, the emotions too raw. I turned over, facing him, watching his face in the dim light. His breath was warm against my skin, slow and steady, and I found myself staring at his lips. Without thinking, I leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss against them. He didn't stir, so I kissed him again, letting my lips linger a little longer this time. The familiarity of it all hit me hard, and I kissed him again, deeper, more urgent, until finally, his eyes fluttered open.
Glenn blinked in confusion, his gaze unfocused as he tried to make sense of what was happening. "Majesty?" he whispered, his voice thick with sleep.
I didn't answer, just kissed him again, needing him to feel what I was feeling. He responded slowly, his hands finding their way to my back, pulling me even closer as the kiss deepened. There was a desperation to it, a need that neither of us could ignore. All the emotions I'd been holding back, all the pain, the anger, the love—it all poured out in that moment.
"Can we talk? Please?" I asked between the kisses, keeping my voice low and urgent.
"Now?" he replied groggily, still half-asleep.
"In the guard tower."
Glenn sighed, clearly still tired and reluctant to move. I got up, grabbing his arm and pulling him into a sitting position. Now more awake, he gave me a once-over, his eyes lingering on the bare skin exposed by my tank top and shorts. I felt a shiver run through me as his gaze traveled over my arms and legs, raising goosebumps. Without a word, he grabbed his blanket and handed it to me before standing up.
In silence, we crept out of the prison, careful not to wake anyone. Our every movement seemed to echo in the stillness of the night, adding weight to the unspoken tension between us. The air was cool, the chill of the night biting against my skin, but the blanket Glenn had given me provided some comfort.
Rick, of course, was outside, standing guard as always. He was the sentinel who never allowed himself rest, always vigilant, always watching. As we passed him, he turned his head slightly, his eyes locking with mine for a brief moment. There was a knowing look in his gaze, but he didn't say anything. He just nodded, acknowledging us before turning his attention back to the darkness, letting us go without a word.
When we reached the guard tower, the silence between Glenn and me grew even heavier. I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me as I sat down, wrapping the blanket tighter around my shoulders. Glenn leaned against the wall, watching me closely, waiting for me to speak.
"I couldn't sleep," I finally admitted, breaking the silence. "I kept thinking about what Amy said… about everything. About us."
Glenn's expression softened, concern and understanding mingling in his eyes. "Yeah?"
I nodded, biting my lip as I tried to find the right words. "She told me I need to figure out what I want, what I'm doing… before it's too late. And she's right. But Glenn, it's not that simple. I'm so confused."
He moved closer, his hand finding mine and squeezing it gently. "You can talk to me, Majesty. We've been through too much together to shut each other out now."
His words tugged at something deep inside me, and I felt the tears welling up. "I know… but it's hard. I'm angry, Glenn. Angry at you, at Maggie, at myself. I don't know how to let it go."
Glenn sighed, his thumb tracing circles on the back of my hand. "I don't have all the answers, but I know I don't want to lose you again. Not like this."
His voice cracked with emotion, and the vulnerability in his tone broke something inside me. Without thinking, I leaned in and kissed him, softly at first, but then with more desperation. It wasn't about rekindling an old flame or proving something to myself—it was about finding comfort in someone who had always been my anchor in a world that no longer made sense.
For a moment, Glenn hesitated, his body tense. But then he kissed me back, his hands cupping my face as if he was trying to hold onto something he feared losing again. We kissed like we were the only two people left in the world, the weight of everything else falling away.
Finally, when we pulled apart, our breaths mingling in the cold air, I looked into his eyes, searching for something—maybe a sign, maybe clarity, maybe just understanding. But all I found was the same confusion I felt inside.
Glenn was the first to speak, his voice hesitant. "I didn't expect… I mean, I didn't think this would happen, not after everything."
I looked down, unable to meet his gaze. "Neither did I. But it's not like anything has been normal for us, right?"
He nodded, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, nothing about this is normal. But I keep thinking about how things used to be, before everything fell apart. It's like we've been holding on to something, hoping it could be that way again."
"Maybe," I whispered, feeling a lump forming in my throat. "But we're not those people anymore, Glenn. We've changed. The world has changed."
"Does that mean we can't have anything left of what we were?" he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty. "We were good together, Majesty. We had something real."
"We did," I agreed, forcing myself to look at him again. "But now there's Maggie… and everything that's happened. We're not the same people we were back then, Glenn. We're carrying so much more now."
Glenn's expression tightened, and I could see the conflict in his eyes. "I know you're right, but it doesn't make it any easier. I still care about you, Majesty. I can't just turn that off."
"I know," I said softly. "And I care about you too. But we can't just pick up where we left off, can we? We can't pretend like everything is okay."
He sighed, leaning back against the wall, his gaze drifting to the dark horizon. "No, we can't. But maybe… maybe we can try to start over, as friends. It doesn't have to be complicated."
The words felt wrong as they left my mouth, like a betrayal to everything we had shared, but I couldn't see another way forward. I couldn't let myself fall back into the past, not when so much had changed.
"Friends?" Glenn repeated, his voice heavy with disbelief. "You really think that's possible? After everything we've been through, after everything we had… you think we can just be friends?"
"I think it's the only way we can move forward," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "We can't keep hurting each other like this, Glenn. We need to figure out how to coexist, for both of our sakes."
He shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "You really think I can just turn off how I feel? That I can just flip a switch and stop loving you?"
His words hit me like a punch to the gut, the truth of them cutting deeper than I expected. "Glenn…"
"No, Majesty," he interrupted, his voice cracking. "I'm still in love with you. I never stopped. Even with Maggie… I've been trying to convince myself that I could move on, but seeing you again… being this close to you… it's impossible. I still love you."
Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fought them back. "I don't want to hurt you, Glenn. I never wanted to hurt you. But we can't go back to how things were. Too much has happened."
Glenn moved closer, his eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the desperation in them. "We don't have to go back. We can start over. Just… let me love you, Majesty. Please."
He leaned in, his lips inches from mine, and for a moment, I wanted to let him. I wanted to lose myself in the familiarity of him, in the warmth of his embrace. But something inside me wouldn't let me do it.
I backed away, shaking my head. "I can't."
Glenn froze, the hurt flashing across his face as he pulled back. "Why not? Why can't we try?"
I took a deep breath, knowing I had to tell him the truth, even if it tore us both apart. "Because there's something you don't know. Something I never told you."
He looked at me, confusion and worry etched on his face. "What is it?"
I hesitated, the words caught in my throat, but I knew I couldn't hold back any longer. "Before everything went to hell… before I found Woodbury… I was pregnant, Glenn."
His expression instantly changed, the color draining from his face. "What?" The word came out barely above a whisper, like he didn't trust his voice.
"I found out while I was lost," I continued, my voice shaking. "And when I got to Woodbury, they told me… they told me I lost it."
Glenn didn't say anything at first. He just stood there, staring at me, his eyes wide and unblinking. The silence between us grew heavy, unbearable. I could see the shock, the pain, and the confusion swirling in his eyes, but he didn't move, didn't even breathe.
"Glenn, say something," I pleaded, feeling the tears start to sting my eyes. The silence was suffocating, and the longer he didn't respond, the more I felt like I was breaking apart.
He finally took a step back, running a hand through his hair as he struggled to process what I had just told him. His eyes were red, filled with emotions I couldn't quite read. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. He looked down at the ground, his shoulders slumping as if the weight of my words had physically crushed him.
"You were pregnant?" he finally asked, his voice hoarse. "You… you lost it?"
I nodded, unable to speak, tears spilling down my cheeks. "I'm sorry," I whispered, feeling the overwhelming guilt I'd been carrying for so long. "I'm so sorry, Glenn."
He shook his head, his expression torn between anger, hurt, and a deep sadness that seemed to echo my own. "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked, his voice cracking. "Why didn't you…?"
"I didn't know how," I admitted, choking on the words. "I didn't know how to tell you, and then everything happened so fast… I thought maybe it was better if you didn't know. I thought it would just hurt more."
Glenn let out a shaky breath, his eyes welling up with tears as he finally looked at me again. "Majesty… I can't believe you went through that alone."
"I didn't want to burden you," I said, my voice breaking. "And then I lost it, and it felt like… like I lost everything. Like I lost us before I even knew how to get us back."
The words hung between us, raw and painful, as Glenn tried to wrap his head around everything I had just told him. The silence returned, but this time it was filled with the weight of what could have been, of what we had lost without even knowing.
Finally, Glenn stepped forward, closing the distance between us. He didn't say anything, didn't offer any false comfort. He just pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly as if he was afraid to let go. His grip was strong, desperate, and I could feel his own tears falling into my hair.
"I don't know what to say," he whispered finally, his voice trembling. "I don't know how to make this better."
"I don't either," I admitted, burying my face in his chest. "I just… I needed you to know."
Glenn held me tightly, his chest rising and falling in uneven breaths as he processed everything I had just told him. The night air was cool against my skin, but his embrace was warm, grounding me in the moment even as my thoughts swirled.
"Majesty," he began softly, his voice still thick with emotion, "I wish you didn't have to go through that alone. I wish I could have been there… for you, for our baby." He swallowed hard, the words clearly difficult for him to say. "I can't imagine how scared you must have been."
I nodded against his chest, my tears dampening his shirt. "I was scared, Glenn. More than I've ever been. And then, when I found out I lost it… it felt like everything was falling apart."
He pulled back slightly, just enough to look me in the eyes. His gaze was intense, searching mine for something, maybe understanding, maybe forgiveness. "You should've told me," he whispered, his voice laced with both sorrow and frustration. "Even if you thought it would hurt… I had a right to know."
"I know," I said, my voice barely audible. "I kept telling myself that, but… I was afraid, Glenn. Afraid of how it would change things between us, afraid of how you'd look at me after knowing."
He cupped my face in his hands, his thumbs gently wiping away my tears. "Majesty, nothing you could tell me would ever make me stop caring about you. Nothing. You're not alone in this. You never were."
I closed my eyes, letting his words sink in, wishing I could fully believe them. But the weight of everything that had happened between us still hung heavy in the air. "It doesn't change what's happened," I murmured. "It doesn't change that I kept this from you, or that we've both gone through so much since then."
"No, it doesn't," he admitted, his voice steady but filled with sadness. "But it doesn't mean we can't find a way to move forward. I don't know how, but… I want to try. I want us to try."
I looked up at him, the sincerity in his eyes cutting through the fear and doubt that had taken root in my heart. But as much as I wanted to hold onto that hope, the reality of our situation loomed large. "Glenn, I don't even know where to start. There's so much pain… so much that's broken."
He nodded, understanding. "I know. And maybe it's too late for us to go back to what we had. But I still love you, Majesty. I never stopped. And I don't want to lose you again."
His confession hung in the air, both a comfort and a burden. I knew he meant every word, but the complications between us felt insurmountable. Still, hearing him say he loved me, that he still cared, stirred something deep within me.
"I love you too," I whispered, the truth of it catching in my throat.
Overcome with emotion, Glenn leaned in, and I felt the heat of his breath just before his lips met mine. The kiss started tenderly, both of us testing the waters, but it quickly deepened as the flood of feelings we had been holding back rushed to the surface. Glenn's hands slid down to my waist, pulling me closer until there was no space left between us. His grip tightened, his fingers digging into my back with a desperation that mirrored my own.
He moved his hands slowly down my spine, his touch both familiar and electrifying. When he grabbed me with that same lustful intensity that I remembered, it sent a shiver through my entire body. I could feel the passion behind every move he made, the urgency in the way he held me like he was afraid I might slip away again.
In the back of my mind, I knew there were things we needed to talk about, things that couldn't be ignored forever. But here, in this moment, with Glenn's lips on mine and his hands exploring my body, all of those concerns faded into the background. Every time I was close to him, every time he touched me like this, it was as if my instincts took over completely, pushing aside the fear, the doubt, and even the pain.
All my instincts cared about was Glenn—having him, holding him, feeling him as close as possible. It didn't matter what had come between us or what still stood in our way. Right now, all I could think about was how much I needed him, how much I had always needed him.
I lifted my leg, wrapping it around his waist. With a grunt, Glenn grabbed my other leg, pulling it to the same position, lifting me up so that he was carrying me. He stumbled slightly, pushing me back until I once again found myself on the console of the guard tower, him standing between my legs as he kissed me heavily.
The last time had felt like a mistake—something we shared after being overwhelmed by emotions and the need to fill the void that had grown between us. But now, it wasn't something I would regret or avoid. I knew I wanted him here, to feel the closeness, the connection, the love that still existed between us.
Our kisses grew more frantic, our movements desperate. I could feel the heat between us, the urgency building with each passing second. Glenn's hand slid up my shirt, his fingertips tracing the curve of my breast. A moan escaped my lips as he cupped me, his thumb brushing over my nipple through the fabric.
I arched into his touch, my hands roaming over his shoulders and down his back. He kissed a trail down my neck, his teeth grazing my skin lightly. I shivered, my body responding to his every touch. His hand moved lower, slipping beneath the waistband of my pants. I shifted, giving him better access, my breath catching as his fingers found their target.
I bit my lip, unable to form words as he stroked me, his fingers expertly teasing and pleasing. My hips bucked involuntarily, seeking more of his touch. Glenn adjusted his position, one knee nudging between my thighs. I spread wider, desperate for the friction, for the connection.
With that, he lifted me higher, positioning me on the edge of the console. I reached down, helping him remove his belt and pants, my hands shaking with anticipation. Glenn stepped out of his clothes, his erection standing proud and ready.
He guided me down, his hands firm on my hips as he slowly entered me. I gasped, the sensation overwhelming, filling me completely. Glenn paused, allowing me to adjust, his forehead resting against mine.
"Are you okay?" he whispered, concern mingling with desire.
"Yes," I breathed, my eyes closing as I nodded.
Glenn's thrusts slow and deliberate at first, then growing faster as our bodies synced. I wrapped my arms around his neck, my legs tightening around his waist. The world narrowed down to just us, the rhythm of our bodies, the sounds of our breaths and moans mingling in the air.
"Please," I begged, my voice hoarse with need.
Glenn obliged, his pace increasing, each stroke hitting deeper, harder. I clung to him, my body riding the wave of pleasure, cresting higher and higher. The guard tower seemed to fade away, lost in the haze of passion and desperation.
"Glenn," I cried out, my voice echoing off the walls. "I'm close."
He bent down, capturing my lips in a bruising kiss. I felt the coil inside me tighten, snap, and then I was falling, spiraling into oblivion. My body shuddered, convulsed, as wave after wave of ecstasy washed over me.
I knew Glenn was getting close, and in a haze I managed to murmur, "not inside."
He gripped my hips roughly, his body twitching. I grabbed at his hips, holding him tightly as I waited for him to finally meet his release. Glenn moaned loudly and I instinctively pushed him away, feeling him come all over my leg once again.
I stood, pulling my pants back on as I watched Glenn finish dressing. The warmth of our connection still lingered, but it wasn't enough to ease the uncertainty that gnawed at me. I couldn't shake the feeling that one more sneaky night in the guard tower wouldn't be enough to keep this going. There was too much unresolved between us, too much we hadn't talked about.
Glenn seemed lost in his own thoughts, his movements slower than usual as he buttoned his shirt. I could tell he was struggling too. We both were. This wasn't just about the physical connection; it was about everything else—the emotions, the memories, the history we couldn't escape.
I took a breath, trying to find the right words. "Glenn," I started softly, my voice breaking the quiet of the night. "I don't know how we're supposed to go on like this…without figuring out what's really happening between us."
He looked up at me, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions—confusion, longing, guilt. "I know," he said, his voice low. "But…I don't know what to do. It's complicated."
"I get that," I replied, taking a small step closer. "But we can't keep avoiding it. I don't want to mess things up more than they already are, but I also can't keep pretending this doesn't matter to me. It does, Glenn. You do."
He nodded slowly, but didn't say anything right away. The silence between us was heavy, filled with everything we weren't saying. But despite the weight of it, I didn't feel ready to walk away. Not yet.
"Maybe…maybe we can figure it out as we go," I suggested, the words tentative, unsure. "I don't have all the answers either, but I don't want to lose what we still have. Even if it's just a start."
As Glenn took my hand, the weight of everything unsaid still hung between us. I knew we couldn't avoid the topic forever, not when it was so clearly sitting between us like a wall we hadn't yet torn down.
"Glenn," I began, my voice softer, hesitant. "What about Maggie?"
He flinched slightly at the mention of her name, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. I could see the conflict in his eyes—the same conflict that had been eating at me since I'd come back into his life. He let out a deep breath, rubbing the back of his neck as he searched for the right words.
"I… I care about her, Majesty," he finally said, his voice strained. "But it's not the same as what I felt for you. What I still feel for you. This whole situation… it's messed up."
I nodded, biting my lip as I looked away. "I know. And I won't pretend I feel bad for her, because I don't. But I get it, Glenn. She's been there for you, and I was gone. You had no reason to think I'd ever come back."
"But you did come back," he whispered, his grip on my hand tightening. "And now… I don't know how to handle this."
There was a pause, the words hanging in the air between us, heavy and uncertain. I knew he was torn, that he was wrestling with feelings for both of us. And deep down, I understood that. Maggie had been thrown into this mess just as much as I had. But that didn't mean I was willing to step aside and let him figure it out on his own time.
"I'm not giving you long to figure this out, Glenn," I said, my voice firm but laced with an edge of vulnerability. "I've been thrown into this just as much as she has, and I'm not going to sit around waiting for you to choose. I've made my choice—I want to be with you. But I need to know if you're willing to do the same."
Glenn's eyes searched mine, the conflict clear in his expression. But there was something else too—determination, a resolve that I hadn't seen before. He nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving mine.
"I don't want to hurt anyone," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't lie to myself either. I'm still in love with you, Majesty. I never stopped."
Hearing those words from him made my heart ache, but it also brought a sense of relief. I didn't feel bad for Maggie, not really, but I knew Glenn did. And that was something we both had to face. But for now, we were here, together, and that was enough.
"I'm not asking you to make it easy," I replied, my voice softening. "But I need to know that you're with me in this. Whatever comes next."
He nodded again, pulling me closer. "I'm with you," he said, his voice steady this time. "I'm with you, Majesty."
A few days had passed since that night in the guard tower, but the conversation between Glenn and I lingered in the air, unspoken but ever-present. Things were far from resolved, but there was a strange comfort in knowing we were on the same page, even if that page was still filled with uncertainty.
Andrea had finally returned, but not with the news that she had gone forward with my plan—instead, she came back with the news that she had somehow gotten the Governor to agree to a meeting with Rick. I felt like it was a trap—everyone did. But as the days went on, Rick had agreed… and today was the day. He, Daryl, Hershel, and Amy had gone to meet with the Governor.
Amy had insisted on going, and I had my suspicions. Maybe she wanted more time with Andrea, or maybe she hoped to convince her sister that she was heading down the wrong path. Whatever her reasons, there was no stopping her once she had made up her mind.
Now, with them gone, the prison felt like a ticking time bomb. The atmosphere was heavy with tension, everyone on edge, waiting for something to happen. The walls, once a source of comfort, now felt like a cage. We all knew the stakes—if this meeting went wrong, if the Governor decided to strike while Rick and Daryl were gone, we could be overrun before we had a chance to react.
I spent most of the day pacing, unable to sit still. Every sound, every creak of the old building made me jump, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. I couldn't shake the feeling that trusting Andrea had been a mistake, that we had played right into the Governor's hands.
I caught sight of Glenn across the yard, his face just as tense as mine. We hadn't talked much since that night in the guard tower. There was still so much unsaid between us, but now wasn't the time to get into it. We both knew that. Survival came first.
Kris tried to keep things light, cracking jokes with Beth and Carl, but even he seemed to sense the undercurrent of fear running through the group. None of us knew what to expect when Rick and the others came back—if they came back. I hated feeling powerless, stuck in the prison with nothing to do but wait.
The only upside to all this tension was the massive amount of guns and ammunition that Rick, Michonne, and Carl had somehow managed to find and bring back to the prison. I don't know how they pulled it off, but it was a godsend. That's what the group did now—loading every gun, stocking every fortified spot around the prison with even more ammo for whoever would find themselves there when the time came. No matter what, we were preparing for this war.
Now I stood beside Glenn as he prepared, the air heavy with the anticipation of what was to come. We didn't say much of anything, just going through the motions, but I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips as I watched him give orders. He had changed so much since we were last together, grown into someone I wanted to be a part of again, even with Maggie standing on the other side of the table.
"I'm gonna go work on the fence," he said finally, grabbing a blowtorch, his voice cutting through the silence.
"I'll go with you," I said quickly, the words slipping out before I could second-guess myself. I'd started being a little more public with my affection and words—not too obvious, but enough to keep Glenn on his toes, enough to apply pressure. I needed him to have that conversation with her, to address the elephant in the room if any of this was going to work.
Maggie froze at my words, and I saw it out of the corner of my eye. Glenn stopped too, looking between the two of us, hesitation clear in his eyes. I'd be lying if I said those little moments of hesitation didn't piss me off, but I had to let it roll off my back. I needed to keep myself together, to play the long game. I wasn't going to let her have him without a fight, but I also knew this had to be on my terms, not hers.
Merle broke the tense silence that had settled over us, either oblivious to or unconcerned with the brewing conflict. "What we should be doing is loading some of this firepower in a truck and paying a visit to the Governor. We know where he is right now."
Glenn seemed almost relieved for the distraction, jumping on the change of topic. "Are you suggesting that we just go in and kill him?"
"Yeah, I am," Merle responded without a second thought.
Michonne, who had been listening quietly, spoke up, her voice cold and dismissive. "We told Rick and Daryl that we'd stay put."
"I've changed my mind, sweetheart. Being on the sideline with my brother out there ain't sitting right with me," Merle countered, his tone dismissive of her objections.
Glenn, determined to maintain some control, assumed his leadership role again, his voice strong and authoritative. "The three of them are right in the middle of it. They have no idea we'd be coming. They could get taken hostage or killed. A thousand things could go wrong."
"And they will," Merle said, his voice booming with certainty.
Carl, who had been quietly fuming nearby, couldn't hold back any longer. "My dad can take care of himself," he shot back, his voice filled with defiance.
Merle didn't miss a beat. "Sorry, son, but your dad's head could be on a pike real soon."
That was the last straw. Anger surged through me, and I didn't even think as I marched right up to Merle, smacking him on the chest and jabbing a finger in his face. "Don't you say that to him!" I snapped, my voice trembling with barely restrained fury.
Merle just smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement as he looked down at me. "Relax, princess. Just telling it like it is."
"Well, keep your mouth shut, then," I shot back, my voice low and dangerous.
Glenn moved forward quickly, grabbing me by the arm and pulling me away from Merle. His tone was strict, leaving no room for argument. "It's not the right move. Not now. We can't take the risk of putting them in the crossfire. That's my decision. It's final."
With that, Glenn stormed off, his frustration evident in every step he took. The tension hung in the air as I was left standing there with Merle and Maggie, the silence thick and uncomfortable.
Merle chuckled, breaking the silence with a sly grin. "I guess there's no more trouble in paradise, huh? You siding with him now all of a sudden."
I shot him a glare, trying to keep my voice steady. "Our relationship has nothing to do with Woodbury, the prison, or anyone else. So focus on that."
Before Merle could get another word in, Maggie scoffed loudly, her frustration boiling over. She grabbed some ammo and a gun, her movements sharp and angry, before storming out of the room without a word.
"Looks like someone's feeling a little burnt," Merle quipped, that devilish smirk still playing on his lips.
I rolled my eyes, not in the mood for his games. "I'm going to help Glenn," I said firmly, brushing past Merle and heading for the door.
I approached Glenn as he was using the blowtorch to mend the gates that had been destroyed by the Governor's attack. The sharp hiss of the torch filled the air, drowning out everything else for a moment. I watched him work, noticing the tension in his shoulders, the way his jaw was set tight with frustration. He glanced at me as I arrived but quickly put his attention back to the gate, focusing on the task at hand.
"I'm gonna talk to her," he said after a moment, his voice clipped. "You don't have to keep doing things like that."
"Like what?" I asked, crossing my arms. "You told me where you stood. Am I wrong?"
Glenn stopped working, lowering the blowtorch and turning to face me. His eyes were filled with a mix of annoyance and exhaustion. "No, you're not wrong. But I don't have time to keep playing referee between you and Maggie. We're on the brink of a war here, Majesty. I can't keep dealing with this right now."
"I'm not asking you to," I shot back, trying to keep my voice steady. "But you can't keep avoiding it either. It's not fair to her or to me."
Glenn sighed heavily, rubbing a hand over his face. "I know that. But I don't have the time to sit down and have this conversation right now. Not when everyone's on edge, waiting for the Governor to show up and try to kill us all."
"I get that, but I'm not the one causing the drama. I'm just trying to be honest about where I stand," I said, feeling a pang of frustration myself. "I'm not going to hide how I feel."
"Yeah, well, maybe you could tone it down a bit," Glenn snapped, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Throwing it in Maggie's face every chance you get isn't helping anyone. You think this is easy for her? Or for me?"
I took a step back, his words stinging more than I expected. "I'm not trying to make things harder," I said quietly. "But I'm not going to just sit back and let this all play out without saying what's on my mind."
Glenn shook his head, clearly frustrated. "I'll talk to her, alright? But right now, I need to focus on keeping everyone alive. That's what matters most."
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Fine. Just… don't put it off for too long."
Glenn didn't respond, just turned back to the gate and reignited the blowtorch, the flame sparking back to life. I could tell he was trying to push everything else out of his mind, to focus on the task at hand, but it didn't make the tension between us any less real.
"Let me hold the gate in place," I said finally, stepping forward to help him out. Glenn paused for a moment before moving back, leaving space for me to grab onto the metal and steady it.
The silence between us was thick, only the sound of the blowtorch filling the air. I could feel the tension radiating from him, and it wasn't hard to see that he was struggling. His jaw was clenched, his movements stiff, and I knew he felt everything pressing down on him. Glenn had shown me he had become a man of action, but when it came to matters like this—when it came to us—I could tell he was at a loss.
As I held the gate steady, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger bubbling up inside me. Not just at the situation, but at the fact that Glenn seemed so torn, so unsure of how to handle everything. I knew him too well to miss the signs; he was overthinking, trying to find a way to fix everything without really knowing how. And in the meantime, we were all just left hanging.
Glenn was a man of action, but when it came to matters like this—when it came to us—I could tell he was at a loss.
As I held the gate steady, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger bubbling up inside me. Not just at the situation, but at the fact that Glenn seemed so torn, so unsure of how to handle everything. I knew him too well to miss the signs; he was overthinking, trying to find a way to fix everything without really knowing how. And in the meantime, we were all just left hanging.
As if I thought I could escape any of the dramas for the day, I stumbled right into an argument between Merle, Michonne, and Maggie. Merle had a packed bag like he was ready to storm out and do exactly what everyone had asked him not to do, much to my dismay.
"What's the matter with ya'll?" Merle was yelling. He approached the door where I stood, Glenn coming in behind me seconds later.
"What are you doing? You might get them killed," I said, stepping in front of him. "You might get killed."
"I ain't leaving my brother out there hanging," Merle said, trying to push past me.
Glenn stepped forward, making his stand in front of me and between Merle and me.
"Get out of my way," Merle snarled.
"No." Glenn's voice was firm and calm.
"Get out of my way," Merle said again through gritted teeth.
In a second, Merle charged at Glenn, tackling him as Glenn pushed back, the two of them rolling down the stairs. I was quick to move, rage flooding me as I ran down the stairs, kicking at Merle's side and grabbing at him. "Get off of him!" I screamed.
Maggie was at my side, and we wrestled Merle off of Glenn, Michonne coming in to hold his hand in the air, the three of us effectively getting him into somewhat of a chokehold.
"Let me go!" Merle struggled to get out, writhing against us. "Let me go!"
I obliged, turning my body to face him. "Don't you ever touch him again!" I screamed, pushing him back as the other women let go. I moved to help Glenn up, noticing Maggie instinctively making her way to get him up as well.
"I got it!" I shouted at her, still fuming at the situation.
She glared at me, holding perfectly still for a second before pushing Glenn toward me. "I'm so done with this," she breathed out, heading out the door to go outside.
Glenn groaned, putting his head in his hands as he got up on his own. Kris and Beth made their way into the room then, taking in what had just happened.
The tension in the room was palpable, the aftermath of the scuffle leaving everyone on edge. Merle, still seething, glared at Glenn before storming off, muttering curses under his breath. I watched him go, my own anger still simmering beneath the surface. This was the last thing we needed—more division, more chaos when we were already hanging by a thread.
Glenn stood beside me, still rubbing his head from the impact of the fall. His eyes were filled with frustration, not just from the fight but from everything that had been building between us, between him and Maggie, between everyone in this prison.
Kris and Beth exchanged worried glances as they took in the scene, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. "Is everyone okay?" Beth asked quietly, her voice laced with concern.
"Define okay," I muttered, shaking my head. I was tired—tired of the fighting, the stress, the uncertainty of what was going to happen next. Every time I thought things couldn't get worse, something else would happen.
Mostly though, I was tired of this shit between Glenn, Maggie, and me. I was reaching a point where I was losing my grasp on my own sanity—and with nothing to alleviate my stress, a bottle calling to me, I was threatening to go over the edge. The endless tension and unresolved issues were gnawing at me, and I could feel myself unraveling.
I turned to Glenn, my voice sharp with frustration. "I'll talk to her! Since you won't."
Glenn grabbed at me as I headed to follow in Maggie's footsteps. "Majesty, stop!"
"Don't touch me! And don't follow me," I snapped, snatching my arm back and running off after Maggie. If Glenn wasn't going to handle this, I would. In my own way.
I found Maggie pacing outside, her expression dark and stormy. I let the door slam behind me to announce my presence, and she quickly turned, eyes narrowing as she saw me.
"What do you want?" she practically growled out.
I laughed sarcastically. "I'm just here to talk—are you not tired of this?"
"I could name a couple things I'm tired of," she murmured.
"Would that be me?" I asked, coming down the steps to get closer to her. The anger radiated off both of us, a storm waiting to explode. "You are tired of me?" I repeated, making sure she couldn't misread my fury. "How dare you."
"How dare I?" Maggie mocked, twisting her expression in disbelief.
"Yes. How dare you walk around here like I took something from you," I snapped. "You think I took what was yours? Your little couple of months of love means Glenn is yours? That you know him—"
"I do know him," she shot back.
"No, you don't. And you never will. Nothing you can build on the road or in this prison will ever compare to every night I spent with him, learning him inside out. Do you know what time he liked to shower every night? What snacks he wanted when he watched his favorite movies? The perfect spot on his back to rub so he could fall asleep? Do you know his sisters? Did you go through hell trying to get his mom to accept a relationship that wasn't with another Korean? Do you even know where in Korea they're from?"
Maggie stood silent as I continued, the fire in my words growing hotter. "I was alone out there—no family, no pretty big farmhouse and perfect little country life—no. The only thing that kept me alive was thinking I was going to find Glenn one day. So stop acting like I took anything away from you when I lost the last bit of what I had when I lost him."
I stepped closer, our bodies dangerously close. I feigned a sympathetic voice, mocking her with a sad face. "You wanna pretend I stole your little perfect romance? Cuz let me tell you something—there would be no you, if there wasn't a me. But you know what, Maggie—I'll do you a favor. You so tired of me? You hate me? Have Glenn if you want him so bad. Because he'll never stop looking at me, caring about me, trying to protect me. And I'm sure that would eat you up more than anything I could ever do."
Maggie didn't say a word or move a muscle as I backed away, shocked at how quickly she faltered under the pressure of my words. I was ready to leave, but before I did, I shrugged. "If he's yours, prove it."