Here is a bit of mood from Book 2 in the Sword Nation Saga!

Pyotr’s eyes were downcast in front of him as he walked, and Erwin felt a genuine awareness of the burden he had placed on his shoulders.

He sighed, glancing over at Pyotr. “We are an evil,” he said, “but necessary, and temporary.” He knew his words would not take away the pain and guilt Pyotr most likely felt, but they were words he believed. In fact, he didn’t regret what they had done at all, he only regretted that it was necessary.

“And the princess?” he asked gruffly.

“Gone,” Pyotr replied. “She bought it.”

Erwin nodded, his face unchanged by the news that he would never again see the woman he had fallen in love with. He felt a lightness knowing she was safe; and forced himself to focus on the lightness, rather than the deep sadness he felt in equal proportion. She had probably returned to her palace and was well on her way to marrying the young man who had come to “rescue” her from their planet just days ago.

He knew it was for the best. He couldn’t risk entangling her in the civil war he and his rebel army were starting. Besides, her presence in itself was threatening. Her sense of morality against his desire to please her would do nothing but dull his future decisions.

He had already sacrificed one man’s life to protect her, now he needed to prove himself worthy of that sacrifice and many others that were sure to come.