When Loyalty Speaks Louder Than Power
"You are our Lord. Our king. Our protection."
He drew a breath, chest tight. "We swore our lives to you. Do you not see? We are ready to lay down everything for you — not now, not tomorrow, but whenever it is asked of us."
He swallowed, and his fists eased open, just slightly.
"So do not… ever apologize to us. Not now, not ever. Not never."
Leon's gaze softened. The edges of his expression gentled, as if he wanted to say something — something quiet, something grateful.
"Captain…" Leon began softly, but another voice rose to join.
"He is right!" Johnny's voice cut across the room, steady and burning with conviction. His knuckles tapped the table — not in anger, but as if anchoring the words in place. "You owe us no apology, Lord. You gave us purpose. You gave us a reason to endure. That is enough."
"Yes!" someone answered from the side, their chair scraping as they half-stood. "Our Lord must never bow his head to us!"
