"So you're leaving, then?" Even though she was calm there was no mistaking the worry in her voice. Levin smiled as he turned around to face her.

"I am," he said. "The sooner we put an end to Maios's treachery the better. Maybe if we can stop him Daccar will think twice before deploying his own troops."

"Perhaps." Mahnya smiled. "I'll certainly be praying for your success at any rate."

"Thanks." Levin tucked his Elwind tome under his arm. "...we'll be gone a long time," he said.

"I know." Her smile became a sad one, and Levin sighed. Why couldn't he just come out and say what he'd wanted to say since he got back? Because it was Mahnya, of course; he could be straightforward with Fury and Sylvia and any other woman, but when it came to the woman he'd been in love with since childhood it was a different story. Something about her tied his tongue into knots and made his knees turn to water.

I can't do this now, though, he told himself. I'm going off to war. This is the last time I'll be alone with her for weeks, probably months...if I don't man up and tell her now, chances are I never will.

"Prince Levin," she said, interrupting his thoughts. "Please promise me you'll be careful out there. If something happened to you..."

He swallowed, taking her hands in his own.

"Mahnya, I love you."

"I know," she said, much to his surprise. "I've always known, and I feel exactly the same. That's why, Prince Levin..." Her eyes filled with tears. "You must promise you'll be careful. I wish I could accompany you to ensure your safety, but..."

"Mother needs you more," Levin said. "I understand, and I promise I'll come back safe and sound." He smirked. "Wouldn't do me any good to die out there if I've got a beautiful woman like you waiting for me!" Mahnya laughed, shaking her head.

"There you go with the sweet talk again. It's good to see you haven't changed." She brought up a hand to stroke his cheek. "I'll miss you," she said as he drew her closer, their lips joining in a kiss that ended only when Levin realized Lord Sigurd was probably waiting for him.

"I'll be back," he said. "And there will be plenty more where that came from." He winked at her, and the gentle sound of her laughter followed him down the castle's hall.