Warner pulls me to the side. Away from everyone else.
Weโre standing in a corner of the training room, and his hands are gripped around my shoulders. Heโs looking at me like Iโve just pulled the moon out of my pocket.
โI have to go,โ he says urgently. โThere are many things that must be set in motion now, and I have to reconvene with Delalieu. I will handle every aspect of the military details, love. I will see to it that you have everything you need, and that my men are equipped in every possible way.โ
Iโm nodding, trying to thank him.
But heโs still looking at me, searching my eyes like heโs found something he canโt bear to walk away from. His hands move to my face; his thumb brushes my cheek. His voice is so tender when he speaks.
โYou will go on to greatness,โ he whispers. โI have never deserved you.โ
My heart.
He leans in, kisses my forehead, so gently. And then he leaves.
Iโm still watching the elevator doors close when I catch a glimpse of Adam out of the corner of my eye. He walks up to me.
โHey,โ he says. He looks nervous, uncomfortable. โHi.โ
Heโs nodding, staring at his feet. โSo,โ he says. Blows out a breath. Heโs still not looking at me. โNice show.โ
Iโm not really sure what to say. So I say nothing.
Adam sighs. โYou really have changed,โ he whispers. โHavenโt you?โ โYes. I have.โ
He nods, just once. Laughs a strange laugh. And walks away.