By the time they returned to their suite, Dean had decided that the rest of the empire could survive without either of them until morning.
Boreas apparently agreed.
The massive dog was sprawled across the rug in front of the fireplace with all four legs pointing in different directions, occupying enough space that anyone attempting to reach the fire had to walk around him.
Dean had changed into soft trousers and one of Arion's shirts, then claimed the deeper end of the sofa with a blanket over his legs.
Arion had managed approximately twelve minutes of peace before the secure communication panel chimed.
Dean looked at it.
"No."
Arion looked up from where he had been removing his watch.
"It is intelligence."
"They can be intelligent tomorrow."
The panel chimed again.
Arion crossed the room.
Dean sighed dramatically and sank farther beneath the blanket.
"I thought you refused to engage with my temperament tonight."
"I am not engaging with it."
