Victoria let out a small huff through her nose, walking to the bedside table and setting the pot down with more care than last time. "I'd rather see you sleeping than nearly collapsing in the courtyard."
Merlin blinked. "…You heard?"
Her eyes cut to his, sharp. "Half the academy heard, Merlin. You really thought no one would notice you wandering around with Elara at your side like some half-dead noble dragged to execution?"
Merlin's smirk faltered. He leaned back against the wall, rubbing the back of his neck. "…I needed it. To feel the air. To see it."
Victoria's lips trembled for just a second before she bit them into a line. She pulled the chair closer to his bed and sat, her eyes never leaving him.
"I thought I lost you," she whispered, almost too quiet.
Merlin's chest tightened. He looked away, jaw clenching. "You didn't. I'm here."
