For the next few days, you tried to stay as far away from Morvran as possible. Now that he was able to walk a little again, it was a lot harder than before. Sometimes he waited in the kitchen for you. Sometimes he tried to catch you when you were tending to the horses. He even tried to surprise you at your chambers doors.

But every time you had turned around and walked away, pretending that he was not there at all.

He never followed you, not even when he realised that you had seen him. But every time he seemed disappointed.

Eventually, the day of his departure came. It was a cold day, with a grey sky and thick clouds. The smell of rain was in the air and the wind was as dry as the desert.

Morvran had send his companions off to return to the emperor. He himself had decided that he would immediately meet his battalion at the battlefield. His foot was still injured but he was able to walk for a few minutes and riding was fine too. At least one good thing.

To your surprise, he had insisted on taking the mere with him. She was calm but the way her ears moved told you that she knew what was going on. At least she wasn't trying to get rid of him no more. She would serve him well. Maybe she would even survive and return to you, when the war was over.

Keeping your head down, you were standing outside of the mansion, while the rest of the servants were tending to their master. Every now and then you dared to glance up to him.

His eyes were watching you the entire time but his mouth wasn't leaving a single word. You could see the sadness in his eyes, the regret. It almost broke your heart to see him this way.

But right now everything was how it was supposed to be. He, as the general, needed to go to war for his country and honour. He needed to win and bring glory to the army of Nilfgaard. You on the other hand needed to take care of the mansion.

You needed to keep the kitchen clean, needed to feed the horses. You two had been bring into totals different worlds. It wasn't meant to be. And you did not want him to give up his privileges and possibilities to get together with a simple person like you. He deserved a lot more.

And even if it broke your heart, you knew that it was better this way. It was better for him. And you wanted nothing but the best for a man that was as heartwarming and intelligent as Morvran.

Thinking about it, tears began to fill your eyes. Trying to keep your calm, you lowered your head even more and stared at your feet, while round drops of water fell from your face. But you refused to whimper. You refused to make any sound that would tell him about your sadness.

As the preparations had been done, the other servants returned to the house. They had little interest in what their master was about to do. All they cared for was the payment he was giving them. As long as they would receive a few coins, they would do almost anything for him. But their love wasn't buyable.

Only Herman took the time to properly say goodbye. With a smile on his face, he held Morvran's hand and patted it.

"Don't do anything stupid, young master. We need you alive. I want you to return to this beautiful home of yours, you know. You need to make it a proper mansion again, without holes on the fence and a proper roof.", he laughed but quickly stopped as a cough shook his narrow chest.

"Stop talking, Herman. Go back and get some rest. I will be fine.", Morvram said, patting the old mans shoulder.

It was hard for him to lean down on the horse to be able to reach the old man. But he wouldn't get off again, since it had already taken him quite a while to get up in the first place.

With an understanding nod, Herman tuned around and wanted to leave with you by his side. But Morvran held him back.

"Let (Y/N) stay for a moment, will you? We still have a thing to discuss.", the general asked.

Confused but not surprised, the old man looked between the general and you, before nodding and leaving. Now you tow were all alone, standing in front of the mansions gate without anyone near that could ear drop on you.

For a moment, silence spread between the two of you. Then, finally, he cleared his throat to get your attention.

"Please come closer.", he asked in a soft voice.

It wasn't an order but a request.

You hesitated for a short second but ultimately turned and walked up to him. Still looking down, you hastily wiped your tears away, not wanting him to see them.

He looked down at you, his eyes filled with worry.

"Look me in the eyes.", he asked. "Look at me and answer me one question before I leave."

His voice wasn't shaking. But it was surprisingly soft. Usually, he had a strong, mighty way of talking. This time it was the exact opposite. He almost sounded vulnerable.

Slowly, you raised your gaze, trying to keep your emotions together. His eyes met yours. Auburn and (E/C). A thin smile appeared on his face, causing you to smile too.

"What do you want?", you asked, whispering.

For a long, very long moment, he looked at you, smiling. It seemed as if the sheer look of your face was enough to make him happy. To make him forget everything that could have threatened this world.

"I need to know before I leave.", he began in a soft voice. "The kiss. Did it mean anything to you? Anything at all?"

A shaky breath left your lips.

"Would you be hurt if I answer no?"

It was a lie. You knew it. You felt how it was a lie. But you didn't care. It was a necessary one. It was for his best.

"It would break my heart."

"Why?"

"Because it meant a lot to me. Maybe a little too much."