A Torn Heart} Any

[magnus]

you and I both know that the house is haunted
and you and I both know that the ghost is me

Magnus couldn’t help himself from laughing at her teasing, and he ducked his head in response, one corner of his lip rising into a crooked smile. “I’m not sure about the dashing part…” his husky voice trailed off, and he laughed again, golden head shaking, “but I appreciate the compliment all the same.” His expression remained bemused as she started to prance, clearly playful and enjoying herself. He himself was not prone to such light, frothy moods, but he enjoyed them in other people. Magnus rather liked to surround himself with good-natured people; it helped to keep him from brooding for too long.

“For many people, kingdom life is ideal. It always was for me at least.” He tilts his head to the side as he watches her, the shadow of the smile not leaving his face. “And Heaven is indeed very beautiful. Very green.” His heart wrenches as he thinks of the one area of the kingdom that was not as green—the place where flames and bitter poison had taken root. The place where a once grand tree had watched over it all, or so he had been told. The Mother Tree was both before and after his time, although he had been told plenty about her by the current residents. “I am biased, but I think that it is the most beautiful of places.”

He took a step forward, drawn forth by her teasing and winking and laughter. “The invitation is open for as long as you want it. I’d be honored if you chose to call Heaven home.” He hoped that she would.

MAGNUS

once general. once lord. once king.