They were in her entertainment room as the maids readied a table for her afternoon tea. A dull pain circled in her belly, and she hoped the mix of herbs and spice would help ease it. Her hand holding her stomach she sat on a couch and waited for him to say something.

Jensek woke up earlier than normal that day in a panic and came to seek her opinion. She was the only one he could turn to for advice and as much as it displeased him to admit, he had grown somewhat fond of her in the short time they shared. Her take on things, albeit naïve at times, helped him think things through. Since a rival in love is the only person who can understand the pains of an unreachable love, her words on the matter would help him keep the resolve he had.

He stood by the window with his hands stuffed in his pants pockets. Back turned towards her he sighed then peeked over his shoulder.

"I take it you are aware that His Majesty, King Robert, has ordered me to return to Ay Su against my wishes?" He said.

Hesitating to speak, she thought about the tone of his voice and his body language. The pain in her stomach is getting stronger. She took a breath and said,

"Yes, I was informed a few days ago. I thought you had already left though."

He shook his head and glanced at the maid as she silently placed a plate of tea cakes on the table. Moving closer to her he down on his knee and asked his voice a bit hushed,

"Do you think it is possible for me to move on from my situation? As it stands neither of us will ever see them again."

Loraz cut her eyes over at the maid then back at him. She didn't want to say too much as the fact that he held feelings for Vestin was still a secret he held tight to his heart. Why he kept it so secret was something she didn't understand but respected nevertheless.

"What do you mean by move on?"

"I mean do you think I can get over my feelings?"

"But you've held on for so long. Has something happened to make you change your mind?"

He got up and sat down on the chair across from her and sat back with a sigh.

"After you announced your pregnancy to Robert I realized that, while you love another you are capable of moving forward in a different direction. By the way about that, are you certain?"

"Well that is true, but my heart still beats for Vestin. Robert is aware of this and he is fearful every second that I might change my mind. As for the other thing, I am not."

Jensen looked over at the maid and hissed,

"Are you not done yet, girl? Our conversation is a private matter now, finish setting up and excuse yourself from the room."

The maid jumped and dropped a cup she held in her hand.

"My apologies." She said and hurried to clean up the mess.

"Jensek, you mustn't scare the servants. Gill, go calm your nerves in the kitchen. If I need anything I will call you. Don't worry too much about the cup. I will speak to Mary on your behalf so that you won't be punished for it."

Gill left the room with the broken cup in hand, tears in the corners of her eyes.

Jensek looked over at Loraz

"You spoil your maids."

"I do no such thing. They are people just like us. Although I do understand why you become short with her. She was taking her time."

"She may be a spy trying to find your weaknesses."

"That may also be true. She seemed to pause when you mentioned my pregnancy."

"Because I know you were also intimate with Vestin. While I am still upset about that it makes me wonder if perhaps the child might be his?"

Loraz felt the pain in her stomach churn and she took a deep breath.

"That night was only once and I was caught up in the moment."

Jensek sighed,

"Maybe you saw something that only you could see and made your decision. What I'm trying to say is I got to thinking and I think it's about time I move on. Forget these feelings and find my new direction."

She looked at him for a moment and let his words process.

"Why tell me something so important?"

He sat forward in his chair and hung his head letting it rest on the backs of his knitted hands. His feeling would never be returned and it wasn't the fault of Loraz for this. It was just not meant to be. Vestin's heart had always belonged to Loraz. The past few weeks she had given him more support and care than he deserved from her as he had seen her as a nuisance. The fact that she could win him over with such ease pissed him off but at the same, it felt good to have someone to share his worries with. With her, he didn't have to hide behind a mask.

"Because in my darkest hour, as much as I do not wish to admit this, you have become a companion I can be confident in. Not many know of my private affairs and I try my best to keep it that way, but with you, I have this unspoken trust that I just can't explain."

Loraz smiled at his words. Such a drawn-out way to say he considered her a friend. She thought about what he must be going through. Having to come to terms with an unrequited one-sided love was hard. Admitting that you've befriended your rival is harder.

"No matter how much you love someone you can't make them return your feelings. No matter how hard you try, if they don't wish to be bothered with you they won't be. I believe he knows how you feel and ignorantly tries to play you for a fool. Not intentionally, mind you, but out of fear of losing your friendship, he turned a blind eye. Although, it hurts like hell all you can do is let them walk and treasure the moments you shared. You say a prayer for their well-being and hope that one day they will come to miss you as much as you miss them."

He looked up at her while she spoke then got up and walked over to the window. Looking out into the vast sea of trees below he sighed. He had come to say his final goodbye as once he went back to Ay Su there was a possibility he would not see her again, but he couldn't bring himself to say it.

"These short moments I have gotten to know you I will hold close. Should you ever need me just to send for me?"

She cried softly as he spoke because she knew that he was going to do what she had yet to do herself, bury his feelings for Vestin and move on. His presence was a bit comforting at times, even though he was still cold towards her every so often, but she would miss him and their relaxing lunches in the garden.

"You give me too much praise, you know. I haven't let go of anyone or anything. My emotions are an everlasting roller coaster. The only thing I have done is admit to loving them both. I happen to just love Robert more, my heart beats for him."

He shrugged his shoulders and shook his head,

"You still chose. Regardless if you still love both...you still picked. I have known for a long time that I could never have him. When I get back to Ay Su I plan on writing to my family letting them know I will marry the girl they have picked to be my wife."

She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, the pain in her stomach growing. Her eyes are red from all the tears. She sat quiet and listened as he spoke...

"The best way to end this is to let it all go...give up everything I think is dear to me...let my heart go numb...what are feelings and emotions when you think about it they are just weight that ties you down..."

"Jensek, I apologize for this, but I must ask you to call for the Royal Physician." She whispered.

He turned back to look at her and saw her dress had blood on it. The expression on her face explained the fear in her heart and her complexion had gone pale. He held out his hand and slowly walked towards her in shock and words caught in his throat.

Her chest began to get heavy as her heartbeat raced and it got harder to breathe. She moaned in pain and clenched the skirts of her dress watching her hands turn red between each of her fingers. The pain had grown to feel like a knife being stabbed into her stomach over and over. Her body turned cold and she passed out as Jensek reached her side. The last thing she heard was his voice yelling for help.