NBG I Move the Stars for No One

“You’re sister is as charming as ever,” said Damon, as they slipped into Sargon’s private quarters.
“She is right, isn’t she?” asked Sargon, his back turned to the Shadow.
Damon studied the Indarium king trembling with a yearning that had not abetted since he had last visited.
“Yes, my lord has sacrificed much to see you king and, yes, I have fought long and hard for you,” said Damon, resting his hand on Sargon’s shoulder and lightly massaging it, causing the Indarium king to sigh, “Yes, I battled to have necessary supplies sent you. Yes, I begged my lord to allow me to protect you from the Shivians and Ferdarians. I aided you anyway I could in winning this free and bountiful land. The Sundara has been returned to the Sundarans, as it should be.”
“You did those things because I am easy to manipulate. I am nothing to you but a silly pawn.”
He tried to walk away, but Damon tightened his grip on his shoulder and rested a hand under Sargon’s chin, forcing the torn Indarium king to look him in his hypnotic green eyes.
“I did those things, because I believe in you.”
Sargon melted the moment their eyes met and Damon took him in his arms while brushing a strand of hair out of his face.
“Surely you know that.”
“Why do you speak to me this way?” he asked, forcefully pulling away from Damon and wrapping his arms around himself, “Even Leila can muster real affection now and then.”
“How else am I supposed to address you?”
“With love.”
Damon’s face fell as Sargon stared at him, his eyes wide and quivering.
“How can you doubt me, after everything I’ve done? It was all for you.”
“It was for your king, Damon.”
“David is my king, but you are my lord.”
“Then why did you abandon me?!” snapped Sargon, rushing towards him and grabbing him by the arms, “Just as I was on the cusp of victory, you left.”
“I left for you. What do you think the others would say if you had won while I was here? I left so this victory could be yours and yours alone. Do you not know how it tortured me that I could not be there by your side at the hour of your greatest achievement? I had to leave, for your protection.”
Sargon stared at him, wanting to believe.
“My dearest Sargon, I have given you my life, my blood, and my tears. What more can I offer?”
Sargon collapsed into his arms and Damon held him close, gently stroking his long hair.
“Please, stay with me. I cannot do this without you,” Sargon whispered into his chest.
Damon frowned and tightened his hold on the Indarium king, before gently lifting his chin so they were eye to eye.
“I can’t just yet.”
Sargon groaned and nearly pulled away again, but Damon held him close.
“I must secure your borders. The Druids must be neutralized otherwise your reign will always be tenuous.”
“We can handle the goat herders.”
“But not Ethan’s elites. You were wise not to engage them. I need to make sure he cannot threaten you again.”
“Why can’t we do that together?”
“Trust me,” said Damon, brushing a strand of hair out of his face and resting his hand on Sargon’s cheek, “When this war is over and your reign is secure, I will return to you. I promise.”