It Hurts

He was about to pull her to face him when he noticed something. 

"Please...," A fresh tear rolled down Athena's cheek, dripping onto the carpet floor. 

Nikolai stopped himself. He released her arm and took a step back. Athena turned slightly but she still did not face him. 

"I've asked Sir Daric to write you a letter of recommendation, hopefully, that would help in your advancement in the army," she said as she raised her hand to her eyes. 

Athena hoped he hadn't seen her tears. She didn't know why she was crying. He was just her bodyguard. Why was she crying over him?

"Is this what you want, princess?" Nikolai asked as he took a few steps back. 

"It... it's for the best," Athena maintained her stance. 

"Best for me? Or best for you?" he asked again coldly. 

Nikolai's emotions were running wild in his mind. He was upset, angry, confused. Why was this happening?

"Best for us," Athena breathed.