The Duke walked over, his heavy boots silent on the plush rugs. He stepped behind Julian, wrapping his massive arms around Julian's shoulders and neck, pulling him back against his chest.
Alaric buried his face in the crook of Julian's neck, his breath warm against his lover's skin.
For a moment, the weight of the Empire and the threat of the Pyre felt miles away, and all Julian could think and feel was the warmth and steady heartbeat of his lover.
Julian smiled faintly, leaning his head back against Alaric's shoulder. "It's just... everything has changed so fast."
"I'm still here," Alaric muttered, his grip tightening slightly. "Nothing changes that."
It was a small mercy that they were together, though Julian missed Lucius. He wondered if the boy was safe at the manor, or if he, too, was draped in white, mourning an aunt he barely knew.
It was peaceful.
