It's a heavy burden to carry, and yet he feels that it shouldn't be so hard. He should be capable. Erik was capable. Inside of him tangle so many things. Relief that he can set aside the weight of the crown looming over his head. Guilt for that relief, for failing his brother. Frustration that his newfound freedom comes at the cost of losing any chance he had to be with Simon.

Wilhelm hums in acknowledgement of Kyle's words, which feel something like forgiveness, then settles into silence. It's the sort of silence that follows after you've pulled yourself open for someone else, and you both sit there in your shifted perspectives of one another. You take a minute to get used to being a more honest version of yourself.

Hauling himself back up to his feet, he stretches his limbs and releases a breath.

"I think...I'm ready to try again, Kyle."