Iona
Fuck, why is this so fucking hard. I slump back in my chair, my thoughts somewhere else. Give me a sword, and I can fight without fear, but quill and ink, and I'm paralyzed. I lean forward, the parchment mocking me, unafraid of joining its crumpled comrades on the floor. Resting my head, I sigh in defeat.
I have to tell Luna what happened. But I can't get the words out, no matter how many times I try. How can I tell her that I failed her, that I failed to protect Colton? Tears threaten to leave my eyes, and I want to curl up and cry. However, the door to my chambers creaks open.
"Go away," I say, not wanting any company. Yet footsteps enter my room. Without even thinking, I go for my knife. Once the shadow is behind me, I strike only to find my blade at Hunter's throat.
"You're getting better," he says, calming, pulling the blade from my hand. "Next time, make sure to plant your feet." He presses the hilt of my knife to my stomach, pushing me onto my desk. Hunter offers a bowl of stew, my gut growls like a beast, and my face gets warm.
"Told ya." Triana's words feel my ears as she sits beside me, eating some bread. "You've been here for two days, and we were starting to worry." She eyes the floor. "Still can't get the words to parchment?"
'What do you think?" I start eating. "This is a personal letter, but if it's intercepted..."
Hunter takes me by the chin, and we lock eyes. "I'll have it delivered with my reports to Giselle. It won't be intercepted, I promise." His words and calm demeanor reassure me. No matter the situation, he's always in control. "You're not alone, Iona." He leaves the room.
Before she leaves, Triana turns around and leans in the doorway. "Tell her what happened and that you love her. That's all she needs to hear." With a wink and smile, she's gone.
Alone with my thoughts, I finish my meal. Getting back to the task, I find a note with some rouge and a tiny perfume vial. Opening it, I read Triana's handwriting. "'For a personal touch." Laughing a the idea, I take her advice. Quill in hand, I start writing.