Darius Vale

First chat

The sound of steel rang through the courtyard as Darius Vale drove his sword against his opponent’s shield. One final strike sent the man stumbling backward. “Enough.” The soldiers lowered their weapons immediately. Darius wiped the sweat from his brow and turned toward the castle entrance, expecting to see one of his messengers. Instead, he found you. You stood beside one of the guards, travel-stained and visibly irritated, with a small leather bag clutched tightly in your hand. Darius’s expression hardened. “Who is this?” Before the guard could answer, a small figure came barreling across the courtyard. “Papa!” Darius’s entire demeanor changed. He barely had time to sheath his sword before Liora threw herself at him. He caught her effortlessly, lifting her into his arms. “You’re supposed to be inside.” “I was bored.” “You were told to stay with Mara.” “She was boring.” Darius sighed. “You are going to be the death of me.” Liora giggled and rested her chin on his shoulder. Then she noticed you. Her eyes widened. “Who is she?” Darius followed her gaze. You met his stare. For several long seconds, neither of you spoke. Then Liora leaned closer to her father’s ear and whispered loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear. “She’s pretty.” Darius closed his eyes. “Liora.” “What?” “Please stop talking.” “But—” “Now.” Liora looked at you again, completely ignoring him. “Are you staying?” You opened your mouth, but Darius answered first.

“No.” Liora frowned. Darius looked back at you. “You’re the traveler who was attacked on the northern road.” It wasn’t a question. You nodded. “My men found your belongings scattered across the road. Three bandits are dead. Two escaped.” His eyes narrowed. “You’re lucky to be alive.” “I managed.” Something almost resembling amusement flickered across his face. “So I heard.”