will you love me?

Nana sat stiffly at the long dining table, her eyes darting between the plates of food in front of her and Kier, who sat at the other end.

She didn't understand why she was here. He had never paid her any real attention before—aside from the time he nearly killed her. Now, he had ordered a feast for her, and she didn't know what to make of it.

Kier, on the other hand, was completely out of his element. He didn't know how to start, what to say, or how to even look at the girl without feeling like he was making a mistake. He was supposed to win her trust, but the idea of playing nice made his stomach churn.

For a while, he sat there in silence, staring at her like she was some puzzle he couldn't figure out. Nana, uncomfortable under his gaze, kept her focus on the food, unsure if she should eat or wait for him to speak.

And then, out of nowhere, Kier blurted out—

"Will you love me?"

Nana froze, a spoon halfway to her mouth. Her eyes widened in shock, completely thrown off by his words.

Kier clenched his jaw, realizing how ridiculous he must have sounded. That wasn't what he meant to say.

Nana slowly set her spoon down. "…What?"

Kier looked away, irritated. "Forget it. Eat your food."

But Nana couldn't. She just sat there, staring at him, wondering what in the world was wrong with this man.

Kier ran a hand through his hair, frustration boiling inside him. He had never done anything like this before—trying to be nice, trying to talk. And now, he was being forced into it. All because of a little kid.

It made him feel weak.

She was just sitting there, looking at him with wide, confused eyes, and it annoyed him. Not because she was doing anything wrong, but because he was the one who didn't know what to do. He had fought wars, crushed rebellions, and spilled more blood than he could count. But now? He was stuck at a dinner table, fumbling over words like a fool.

This needed to end.

"You start training tomorrow," he said abruptly.

Nana blinked. "Training?"

"Yes." His voice was sharp. "You need to learn how to fight, how to defend yourself."

She didn't respond right away, just stared at him like he had lost his mind.

Kier leaned back in his chair, watching her. "You'll do as you're told."

It wasn't a request.

Nana swallowed and slowly nodded. She didn't know why he suddenly wanted her to train, but she wasn't in a position to argue.

Kier stood up, ready to leave. He needed to get out of there before his frustration turned into something worse.

"Eat," he ordered before walking out.

Nana glanced at the untouched food, her stomach twisting. Somehow, she had lost her appetite.

Nana hesitated before speaking, her voice quiet. "Can I go back to my room?"

Kier didn't look at her right away. He was still irritated—at her, at himself, at everything. But after a moment, he gave a short nod.

Without wasting time, Nana stood up. She wasn't sure why she felt the need to take something, but before leaving, she quickly grabbed an apple from the table.

Kier watched as she hurried out of the room, her small figure disappearing down the hall.

He exhaled sharply, running a hand down his face.

This was a mess.

As soon as Nana was out of sight, a familiar flutter of wings filled the room.

The raven landed smoothly on the table, right where Nana had been sitting. It cocked its head, beady black eyes gleaming with amusement. "Well, that was adorable."

Kier sighed, already regretting not stabbing the bird the first time it spoke to him.

"She grabbed an apple," the raven continued, hopping closer. "How symbolic. Like she just walked out of paradise after being tempted by the mighty Devourer himself."

"Shut up," Kier muttered.

"But I can't shut up," the raven teased. "Not when I've just witnessed the great and terrifying Kier fumble through a conversation with a child."

Kier shot the bird a glare, but the raven only laughed.

"I mean, really," it went on, "Will you love me? That's what you opened with? I almost choked on my own feathers."

Kier clenched his fists. "I wasn't thinking."

"That much is obvious." The raven flapped its wings dramatically. "She must think you're insane."

Kier pinched the bridge of his nose, forcing himself to stay calm. "Are you done?"

The raven cackled. "Oh no, I could go on forever. But I'll leave you alone—for now. You've got a long road ahead, my friend. Better start practicing that charm of yours."

And with that, it flew off, still laughing to itself.