By the time Eldric came back, he looked much more haggard than when he had left, enough to make anyone wonder what he had gone through in the short while he had been gone.
His clothes were rumpled, and he had this downcast expression deep in his eyes that made anyone who saw him pity him and want to ask him what the problem was.
Unaware to them, all that was going through his mind were the two plans he had made. The first was a scenario where Fiona was his, and she remained useful to him by his side. The second was where she died, ensuring that she still benefited him and not his enemies.
He bitterly thought within himself, reluctant to go with the second scenario considering the amount of time and energy he had spent grooming her to be the woman he wanted her to be—one that listened to him and only him.
This will depend on what she decides! he decided to himself, even as he walked into the mansion they met at, which was completely different from the one that had exploded.
