For gods' sake.
The Emperor's chamber was steeped in shadow when Damon Iondora finally pushed open the heavy oak door.
The hour was late, later than he had intended. The corridors outside were silent now, the servants retired and the guards at their posts.
The only light in the room came from the dying embers in the great fireplace.
He felt alone.
But perhaps this was the best case scenario. Because if anyone else was here… it would be more than scandalous.
In the center of his bed, was Ivy Cassia.
She lay curled on her side, her blonde hair spilling across the pillows, her face soft and peaceful in the flickering firelight.
The blankets were drawn up to her waist, and her breathing was slow. She looked smaller in sleep. Younger. The sharp edges of her… 'everything'... were all softened into something akin to classical poetry.
Damon stood at the foot of the bed and watched her for a long moment. His eyes were narrowed.
These days, he should've expected her.
