All the lights in the room flicked on, chasing away every last shadow. Not a single corner was left in the dark. Etien looked way better now, clean clothes wrapped around him, and a steaming cup of tea sat on the small table nearby, its warmth curling into the air.
Normally, he'd be griping about Eryndalith's heat making him sweat. But tonight, he didn't seem to mind being bundled up, wearing slightly thicker clothes that gave him a sense of comfort. He didn't even flinch when Glen sat behind him and wrapped his arms tightly around him. That warmth, paired with the steady rhythm of the emperor's breathing near his ear, somehow calmed the Duke's racing heart.
"Can I ask you something?" Glen finally spoke after a long silence.
