บท 18: That’s My Girl

Michael sat at the Council table, pressing his palm flat against its cool surface until he felt it against every possible part of his hand. He released the pressure, then repeated the process. There would be no meeting today and he sat alone in the great room, not really expecting to see anyone. He didn’t know why he’d wandered back to the chamber, except when he was not on duty he found he didn’t much care for what he did or where he went.

The only places he wanted to go, he could not.

To Desi’s side - and she remained in Helheimer.

And to the garden - where he would not return without her.

“Sir,” a breathless squire spoke from the doorway. He tugged at his uniform as red creeped up his neck. He was so young, and Michael guessed this was his first day. He smiled at the boy.

“Come,” he said kindly. “What do you have for me there?”

“It’s a message, Sir.”

Michael bit back a mocking grin and held out his hand for the scroll.