"I apologize for not visiting you yesterday," Helios said as they walked.
His voice was low, thoughtful. "I don't recall if I promised I would, but still. I wanted to speak with you privately. After all… it has been five years."
They moved through the compound together. Or rather, Helios did.
Ezra kept trying to lag half a step behind, mindful of rank and appearances.
Every time he slowed, Helios matched him without comment, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
'If anyone sees us like this…' Ezra thought, unease prickling at the back of his neck.
Helios had always been like this in private. Softer. More attentive.
It was a version of him Ezra had learned to recognize and, if he were honest, fear just a little.
In private, they had been close. Too close for a knight and a prince.
Their bond had been forged early, through shared danger and quiet moments between battles.
