He jerks into motion, walking to the dais. He pauses for a moment, staring at you and you can't look away. His red gaze is swallowing you, suffocating you. Then he gracefully falls to one knee, but instead of bowing his head, he's keeping eye contact with you. You see the twitch of pain as he went down and you know his side is hurting him. But probably not as much as you are.He holds his right hand out to you, the other still in the sling. Everyone is silent, watching. They all know Dave is your best friend, and they probably think his slow actions are supposed to meaningful and convey his complete loyalty to you. How he'll stay loyal no matter what because he's your best friend. But they can't see his eyes. They can't see the emotions burning there. The hurt. The anger. The rage. The deep-seeded pain that's tearing you apart. Even a little fear. You somehow manage to keep a calm face and serious express when faced with the chaos of emotions radiating from your best friend. It's probably because you're frozen from the intensity of it all and the fear of what will happen next."I, Dave Strider, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Egbert, his heirs and successors, including Jade Harley Egbert…" His voice is steady, but bears traces of the emotions that are swirling in his eyes. But you're sure you're the only one who notices. Except maybe Rose standing next to you. But you're both ignoring her. You can't and won't look away from Dave. He pauses and when he says your name, there's so much meaning in the words, most of which you can't even begin to identify. "John Egbert…"He pauses again, giving your name more significance than anyone else's. It's clear to the audience that he will be forever be loyal to you, his best friend. Which is proven by the sling he wears and the cut on his cheek. The news of him saving your life spread fast. But they don't know everything. They don't know the secret relationship between you two. The relationship that you can't even begin to explain. You're best friends, but you're more than friends. Dave is the most important person in your life."And his future wife, Rose Lalonde. So help me god." When he says his sister's name, it's a little strained, but you think only you notice because you're so aware of every little detail. You reach out and take his hand in both of yours, trying to give them a little squeeze of reassurance. You attempt to convey everything you're feeling through your eyes, but everyone is watching and you can't let too much slip. You nod and let go of his hand.He snatches your right hand and pulls it toward him. He bows his head and presses a chaste but lingering kiss to your signet ring.His lips are cold.