[Music Recommendation: Breathe ~ Lee Hi]
Deep in slumber, Rowan's chest rose and fell with each breath. Even in his sleep, he felt suffocated, trapped inside a box with no escape. It wasn't the confinement that concerned him; all he desired was for the box to be able to move. He couldn't bear the thought of keeping Freya waiting, fearing she would see him as irresponsible, and her words that he was incapable of love would cut deep.
Rowan didn't care what others thought of him, but Freya's opinion was different. He yearned for her to see beyond his teasing facade and discover the softer side he reserved only for her. With great effort, Rowan pried open his eyes, but an excruciating headache exploded through his skull, making his temples throb in agony.
"R-Rowan?" Lirien's voice echoed through the room. "Are you awake?" The princess approached him, about to tap his shoulder, when the door burst open.