Elric had learned to keep his composure in every situation—assassination attempts, palace intrigues, even carrying a spoiled noble lady through tantrums and endless demands. Yet nothing could have prepared him for the chaos of waking up in Lady Seraphine's bed.
He hadn't intended it. Truly. He had merely kept watch at her side, her hand refusing to let go of his all night long. At some point, exhaustion claimed him, and he fell asleep sitting upright on the bed. But now, morning sunlight spilled across the room, and the weight of the situation hit him harder than any battlefield wound.
Seraphine stirred, her golden hair glimmering as the sun painted it with warmth. Her long lashes fluttered open, revealing those crimson eyes sharp, beautiful, terrifying. Elric braced himself.
But then she jolted.
"W-What the hell?!"
