9.2 Right

Feeling spent after the long day, you decide to retire for the evening. After dismissing your guard, you slowly make your way towards the large, empty chambers. All thoughts and concerns over the election become muddled in your increasingly fatigued mind. You're hardly aware of the partially ajar door when you arrive at the entrance of your abode. Sighing audibly, absentmindedly push the large aperture open. A headache has begun to form, causing your already clouded mind to become additionally chaotic. Reaching a hand up, you rub your forehead wearily while walking towards your bed.

"Empress Kora." The unexpected voice causes you to startle visibly. Turning quickly, you're surprised to see an unknown man standing in the far corner of the room. Taking a step back warily, you carefully study the large man. A stern expression rests on his broad and slightly weather worn face, of which is covered by a slightly unkempt beard. Wavy locks of lightly colored hair are uncharacteristically long, hanging near his wide shoulders. His brown eyes carry a strange look of calm and authority despite his otherwise tense exterior. Frowning, you realize there is something vaguely familiar about this stranger's gaze.

"I know you." You reply slowly, taking a step forward to see the man better. "I am unsure how, yet I am certain we have met." The man steps forward, bringing his face further into view. Your brow creases deeper as you attempt to place him to no avail. Though you're sure you have met him before, you cannot say who he is. His sharp gaze looks over your figure briefly before returning to your face. There is something about his expression that leaves you unexpectedly intrigued beneath the apprehension. Regardless, you're acutely aware of the small distance between yourselves. Swallowing nervously, you cautiously take a step back. Without retracting his gaze from yours, the man takes a step forward.

Suddenly feeling increasingly wary, you consider calling your guards. Before you can make another move the man is upon you, curling his hand painfully around your arm. Your eyes widen as you silently obverse him in confusion.

"Unhand me." You gasp, trying in vain to wrench free.

The large man remains silent as he pulls you closer to him. You can feel your heart pounding in your chest as your slim figure brushes against his broad one. Your confusion only grows when he lowers his head face towards you and buries it your hair. Your body stiffens as you feel him take a deep inhale.

"Who are you?" You demand, unable to stand the tension any longer.

There's a brief pause before the man pulls away and looks down at you. His brown eyes study you carefully for a moment as he seems to consider your question. After a moment, he frowns softly and leans back down before replying.

"I am disappointed you do not recognize me." He breathes in your ear softly. "After I nearly died for you."

Your frown returns as you contemplate his cryptic words. Unable to decipher his words, you shoot him a puzzled look. His own expression turns slightly sour before he pushes you aside.

"It should be of no surprise you would not remember." He snaps irately after you stumble back and fall against your bed. "I am the Emperor's Capitan, Leonis."