Lion Head Mesa Shinzō-byō

when he spoke it was with pain in his voice. she could see it in his eyes: this betrayal. to listen as he spoke of leaving made something within her hurt too.

silent a moment longer, letting the feeling ease, willing herself some control - and then she sighed.

you have much healing to do. we will speak more - about your plans, and anything else. she wanted to forbid him of these thoughts. he had abandoned her once and been maimed for it - so satsu thought, physicality would not hinder him, but perhaps the order of a queen might.

but she was not his queen. this too she remembered, with that ache resounding in her chest.

something froze in her eye.
rest now. I will visit again.
bending to his forehead, satsu lay a kiss there, and then as swift as it came she was departed.