WHEN THE KING IS SILENT, BUT SHE CAN'T KEEP QUIET

Sophia marched down the long hallway, with two guards trailing behind her, their faces saying: Why us?

"Okay, tell me, what's your king like when he's not all brooding?" she asked, turning to look back as she walked.

The guards just exchanged glances and said nothing.

"Nothing? Not a single word? You guys are amazing conversationalists, really. Okay, let me guess. Darian is cold, dark, mysterious and... definitely has some tragic backstory?"

One of the guards cleared his throat, but said nothing.

"Ooh! So I hit a nerve, huh? Tragedy? Or was he just born like this, with that permanently grim face?"

No response.

Sophia shook her head. "Alright, got it. You're all programmed to be mute. Great. So no friends, just statuesque guards and servants who shake in fear whenever they see him. How can anyone live like that?"

At that moment, the door ahead of her opened, and Darian stood in the doorway. Sophia almost collided with him, but managed to stop just in time.

He looked at her. "Why are you here?"

She blinked. "Well, I thought we could work on... whatever this is between us. Dynamic? Relationship? Maybe we don't have to be enemies. We could try something revolutionary. Like... talking."

Darian leaned against the doorframe. "I don't talk much."

"Ah-ha, yes, I've noticed! And that's the problem. People here tiptoe around you. Do you know how tiring that is? Why don't you just loosen up a little?"

Darian shook his head and started walking down the hall. Sophia wasn't about to give up. She followed him.

"Come on, try. You can say anything. For example: 'Good morning, Sophia, how are you?'" she suggested cheerfully.

Darian didn't say a word.

"Alright, let's try something simpler. 'It's cold in here.' Wanna try that?"

Silence.

"Okay, okay… how about: 'Yes, Sophia, you are the brightest star in this castle, we all love you and want to throw you a royal feast?'"

Darian stopped, turned around, and looked at her. Sophia grinned.

"Aha! Got a reaction! We're making progress!"

At that moment, a maid passed by, carrying a tray. She glanced at Darian and nearly tripped as she tried to bow. Sophia caught her before she fell.

"Hey, careful! We don't want to spill the food, do we? Who knows, maybe Darian's hungry?"

The maid turned pale.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty!" she quickly said and rushed off.

Sophia turned to Darian. "See? That's the problem. Everyone's terrified! Come on, say something to calm them down!"

Darian looked at her with an unreadable expression. "Why?"

Sophia widened her eyes. "Why?! Because no one wants to live in a tomb-like atmosphere!"

Darian rubbed his face, as though trying to gather his patience.

"You can't make me be something I'm not."

Sophia put her hands on her hips. "Have you ever tried being something else?"

Darian just looked at her, then turned and continued walking.

Sophia shook her head and hurried after him. "Oh, no, you can't just walk away like that! We're talking about this!"

The guards exchanged glances, holding back their laughter.

King Darian. The cold, ruthless ruler.

And the only woman in the kingdom who had the courage to chase him down the hall, insisting on a conversation.

This is going to be interesting.