The doors closed behind them, instantly cutting off the suffocating, juice-scented chaos of the grand ballroom. The orchestra in the distance now sounded like it was coming from another world.
Cherion let out a long sigh as he matched Zarius's pace down the hallway.
"Well, that was one hell of an opening act." Cherion murmured, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he looked up at his fiancé. "I wonder if palace laundry can handle sweet juice."
A low chuckle rumbled out of Zarius. "If they cannot, I am more than willing to send a crate of Northern soap to the Capital. Under the circumstances, I consider it a charitable donation to the throne."
Cherion laughed, but as they drew closer to the royal wing, his expression grew a fraction more serious. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "On a more serious note, Zarius... why did the King summon you so suddenly?"
