The Iudex's day off

Chapter 58 - How Love Hurts

 He has been...

 Always...

 So incredibly close...

 But now...

 Just like that...

 "Here, have some water. Neuvillette went back to the Court for a bit. I'll go pick him up in a moment." I smiled at her.

 I did my best to seem as relaxed, as normal as possible.

 There was no need for her to worry.

 Not when she's feeling unwell.

 I'll go and speak with Neuvillette.

 I can do this.

 I'll figure out what's wrong.

 I'll fix this.

 I can fix this.

 Surely...

 My hand shook and faltered, causing a bit of water to spill in Sigewinne's hands.

 "Oh, I'm sorry! I apologize, I-"

 But she didn't seem to hear me.

 She just stared blankly, looking at the water on her hands.

 Slowly, horror filled her face.

 "Sigewinne-"

 "No."

 "What no?"

 You can't start speaking like that as well!

 "You cannot go to the Court."

 "What?"

 "You cannot leave Meropide."

 "Sigewinne, what's wrong-"

 "If you leave Meropide now you'll die!" She screamed.

 I'll-

 I'll what...

 "Sigewinne, explain to me-"

 "Please, Your Grace! I'm begging you! Don't go anywhere!"

 Her breathing became erratic and tears started streaming down her face.

 "Hey, hey... I'm not going anywhere. I'm right here, okay?"

 I drew her into my embrace, hugging her tightly.

 Just what the hell is going on?!

 Shaking within my arms she suddenly started shouting.

 Clearly, it wasn't directed at me, but it hurt me to hear it all the same.

 "Why... Why?! Why is this- It hurts... It hurts so much!"

 I wanted to help her, but I couldn't.

 I didn't know what I could do.

 How could I help her?

 She just continued crying, her whole body shaking as she sobbed in my embrace.

 And then-

 Suddenly, she just stopped.

 It only took a split second and everything ceased.

 The crying, the shaking...

 Clearly, Sigewinne herself was confused as well.

 "Wha- Why..."

 Her hand shot for the cup of water still on the table and before I knew it she had poured the contents on her hand.

 "Sigewinne!"