Are You Willing to Die?

'I can't overstate the importance of this task, Daenir,' the King said.
'I know, your grace' Daenir said. It came out cold, emotionless. He had often felt that way since Arnielle had died. The grief had been paralysing at first, but now he always kept emotions locked away in a separate part of his mind. He allowed a trickle through now, and felt the beginnings of a smile at the memory of her. He had tried to save her, but he had been too late. He wanted to kill himself for that. Vengeance had not been very sweet. He shut the gate on the emotions again.
'You will be doing the realm a great service if you succeed,' the King went on. 'But I cannot guarantee you will survive.'
It was no surprise to hear it. Daenir had thought it a suicide mission. One he was willing to undertake. His feelings about suicide had changed recently. He had nothing to live for anymore. He could not love again.
'Are you willing to die, Daenir?'
Daenir went to one knee, and the king placed his hand on his shoulder. 'I am, your grace.' The King's grip tightened on his shoulder. 'For the good of the realm and its people.'
'The realm and its people,' the King murmured in agreement. 'I do hope to see you come back and continue serving that realm.'
'I don't think that's going to happen, your grace.'