Strange things.

His eyes shot open, body jolting with a sudden shock. Tic immediately sat up in the bed, hands gripping the sheets beneath, rippling it into tight folds. He threw his head about, scanning the chamber with wide eyes. But from the empty ceiling, to the elegant curtains, to the wooden door; he saw no one. A moment before, he thought Miraye had come; somehow escaped and found him. But it must have just been a dream...

He had been asleep, knowing not of anything else to do. His eyes were dry now that they were rested, though his breathing still stuttered gently. He loosened his hands, looking down to table beside the bed. He silently slid his legs down, bringing his slippered feet to rest upon the cold floor, still looking to the small table. There was a glass goblet of clean, clear water set there, tempting him with its purity. He paused for a moment, staring at it. Then reached out with both hands, grasped its smooth surface, and gulped down hungrily.

He let out a sigh of replenishment as he brought the glass from his lips, returning it to the table. He sat against the bed, bringing his frigid hands together and rubbing them softly, unconsciously. As warm and welcome the room was, he still felt cold. Especially knowing how Miraye was being held in a room so much less comforting. He still didn't understand why he was subject to such genial treatment, anyway. It was almost unfair; that he should be showered with sweetness, while the girl sat chained and tortured in darkness. And Larkin's manner .. it was so strange; discomforting, yet not. He couldn't be that precious to the man, could he.. ?

But, of course. He was of The Sink. He had information, and Larkin needed it. The man, the ruler, the force that had destroyed his father just before his eyes, wanted to use him. He couldn't let this happen; let himself give up on all of The Sink as though none of it ever happened. And Larkin could easily extract what he needed from him, out of intimidation, or that controlling gaze. But the ruler was being gentle, so excessively sweet, and it didn't make sense; it was almost as though he wanted something more...

And that's what scared him.

His eyes flickered to the doorknob, looking over its shape and simplicity. It would be so easy, with the right utensil, he mused. But he couldn't, as much he longed; he wasn't ready. Not now, at least.

He sighed and lied back on the bed, an arm hanging loosely behind his head.