The gathering ended the next day. Most visiting courts left at dawn. When Lyanna woke up, she noticed a note on Azrael's side of the bed.
"Council meeting about Order intelligence. Stay in chambers until I ask for you."
His controlling side was back, the brief weakness of the last night was forgotten. Clara looked worried, when she arrived with the breakfast that morning.
"Your Majesty, you should eat. You need strength."
"Has His Majesty been in meetings long?" Lyanna asked.
"Since before dawn. According to the night staff, he didn't sleep at all. He went straight from your chambers to the council room and has been there for hours."
Lyanna knew what was happening. Azrael was using work to avoid her. He'd revealed too much, and now he was hiding behind his work where their emotions couldn't reach him. To be honest, it was safer for both of them. But it also felt like a step backwards after the little progress they had made.
