i remain

how crass you stand before me with

no blood to fuel your fame

how dare you wield such flippancy

without requisite shame

your very existence becomes my sacred

mission's bane

you bow to kiss my hand

and i ignore ignited flame

how i'm moved to meet you

untouched i do remain

to some it seems foreign why i

would steely forge ahead

this land entrusted to me knows

not of hallowed secrets

i'll keep it to myself

while your brave eyes swim in my head

your charm can not distract me from

the path i'm born to tread

how i'm thrilled to know you

unaffected i remain

how i've learned to like you

undeterred i do remain

less daunting as team

you unlikely king by my side

and me so much better for trusting you

my hand over your heart while you

keep hindrances at bay

color me surprised by how our union saves the day

how i've grown to need you

as my soldier need fades

how i love to love you

and how i

how i remain

i remain