Afterwards, Rowan, the Emperor's heavily sleep-deprived aide, was practically dragging his feet as he began carrying out his survey assignment.
His shoulders were slumped, the massive grey eye bags under his eyes looking heavier than ever beneath the dim torchlight.
"I need a break," he muttered and then sneezed. The cold was not helping him relax at all.
As he crossed the central landing, a heavy, metallic clatter echoed from the courtyard entry. Kaelen was removing his gauntlet.
His body still carried the crisp, biting scent of the outdoor winter storm.
Rowan paused, his dull eyes instantly clearing up. He nearly hid just to continue watching Kaelen do what he was doing but he wasn't fast enough and Kaelen saw him.
Kaelen's sharp gaze locked onto the exhausted aide's pale, trembling form.
