Chương 119: Empyrean Rabbit - Part 8

"I do not think you are a deceitful person."

Cele's voice sounded loud in the quiet room, almost jarring, but the volume didn't seem to effect Heiko.

"I think you're-"

"Don't say naive," Heiko warned sharply, his lip curled in a half snarl.

"When are you going to learn that I speak before I think?" The general sighed.

The prince took a moment to cautiously assess his face before replying.

"You may not think before you speak, but that doesn't mean what you say has any less meaning to you."

Cele furrowed his brow, brow pressing. He was at a loss. He had no idea how to reassure a creature so evanescent, so guarded. But he knew he had to.

"Heiko," he exhaled, looking down, searching desperately for the right words - or words at all.

"I'm not asking for anything from you."

The prince's comment struck deep, forcing the general's chin up once again, only to find that scared young man gone. Vanished. No, Cele realized. Not gone - only hidden.