Bird of Hermes - Oceans of Time

Entering the castle, Count Byron stands waiting for her.
Charlotte is unsurprised by this,
but as she reaches for her sword, expecting a battle
she notices the smile on his face.
She lowers her arm.
Perhaps this will be easier than she thought.

“Charlotte,” Count Byron says.
She steps back.
How did he know that?
His smile widens, now sure it is her.
Charlotte, his true love.
He's crossed oceans of time to find her.

Count Byron takes a step toward her.
This time, she stays still.
She allows him to touch her face with his hand,
tightly sucking in her breath.
If she can kill him without a fight,
her disgust will be worth it.
She grabs his hand.

He turns to the staircase.
“Come with me,” he says, still smiling.
Charlotte follows him to the staircase.
For the first time in years, she feels fear