Work Text:
You were always the dreamer among us.
Even when we were children, you did not care how many times I beated you in our little duels. You just smiled, promised me that one day you would be the one to win more often, and then stared at the sky for something I could not understand. Whether you already sensed how different the destiny that awaited you was from what anyone else would have imagined, or whether you just wanted it, I could never have conceived it.
I just knew that even then I hoped that I would stay by your side forever, just to see that glow in your gaze again.
I did not swear allegiance to you just to pay for the moment I wanted to take over a power that was not meant for me, or out of gratitude to see that you wanted to keep me with you.
Someone had to make sure reality was the way you wanted it.
Someone had to fight alongside you, make sure your every battle was a victory. Someone had to keep watch over your court with keen eyes so that no one unworthy would join it, so that the days would pass exactly as they should.
I should have done more. I should have told you the truth about what was happening before it was brought to light by force and blood, instead of trying to convince myself that there was no betrayal lurking in the darkness.
But how could I bear to see your light go out?
Someone had to protect you. It has been my role since long before your true origins were revealed, a duty imposed upon me by something beyond blood or a man's loyalty to his king.
If only I had spoken, for once my tongue would have been useful. I could have stopped all this, and stood by your side, dried your tears and healed your broken heart, in a kingdom still united. And, in time, I would see you smile again.
I fear that even if that moment comes in the future, I will never be able to see it.
I want to believe that despite all the blood surrounding us and the scar this day will leave, you will not give up. I want to believe that you are still hoping to win and be reborn, and that you will return home, even if I am no longer by your side.
I have always tried to see nothing but the reality that was in front of my eyes. But as my blood drowns a land already sated with death, I dare to hope that the darkness will go away, that peace and joy will return, and that your end will come long after mine.
And if my hopes come true, if there is a new future for you and the light returns to your soul, won't you dream again for me?