Arin didn't knock when he got to Katherine's chamber.
He rarely did.
The room smelled faintly of citrus and rose oil. Katherine was seated before her vanity, her long hair draped over one shoulder while a maid carefully applied oil to the ends.
She saw his reflection in the mirror and mmediately, she froze.
"Leave us," she told the maid softly.
The maid bowed and slipped out without a word.
Katherine rose at once, turning to face him fully.
Arin looked… exhausted. She walked to him slowly.
"My love." she said said.
He didn't speak, didn't move either. He just stood there like he didn't know what to do with himself.
Katherine moved closer to him and placed her hands on his arms.
"You look like you haven't slept in days," she murmured.
He let out a quiet breath.
"Feels like I haven't," he replied.
She guided him toward the couch near the window.
"Sit," she said softly.
He obeyed without argument which already told her how drained he was.
