After another few minutes of discussion about scheduling and expectations, Alaric finally escaped Selene's study, the heavy tome tucked under his arm.
The hallways were quieter now, most of the servants having retreated to their quarters. His footsteps echoed against the marble as he made his way to his room.
The door clicked shut behind him. He set the book on the side table, it landed with a dull thud, and shrugged off his jacket, draping it over the back of the chair.
The room felt too warm. He moved to the window, pushed it open. Cool night air drifted in, carrying the distant sound of crickets and scent of jasmine from the gardens.
He then oved back and the chair creaked as he settled.
He stared at the book for a moment. 'History of Valterexia, Volume One.' The cover was worn leather, gold lettering faded but still pretentious.
Six months of this. Six hours a day.
A heavy sigh escaped him as he pulled it closer.
