Chapter 429: Oh, Captain, My Captain – Part 1

~ STARK ~

That evening, I returned to my room after making certain Zavi and Dara were safely asleep and guarded. I slumped into my chair and sighed, trying to shake the sense of unease.

It was odd how quickly Hildie had become… necessary.

For almost five decades I had found my space a sanctuary. My own room as a child, my own quarters as an Officer. In fact, the years in the barracks as I rose through the ranks had been sheer hell. A refining fire. My heart needed space and my mind needed silence. My rooms had always provided that.

Almost two of those decades now, I had taken these quarters in the Royal wing. These rooms were mine—permeated by my life. My peace. My sanctum.

And yet…

Here I sat on a calm evening, just as night fell—my favorite time of day—the dimming sun shining through the window, my shirt unbuttoned at the neck, my sleeves rolled up, and a drink in my hand.