After giving Evan a sharp, unquestionable order to not to let a single soul disturb them, Zalyric didn't waste another second. He carried Rowan through the quiet corridor leading to a secluded room near the eastern pavilion, so hidden that even palace attendants rarely passed by. Rowan's face was flushed against his shoulder, breath warm on Zalyric's neck with fingers weakly clutching at his chest as though afraid to let go.
The moment the door closed behind them, Zalyric's composure fractured.
He set Rowan down only long enough to cup his face with both hands, thumbs stroking along heated cheeks.
"Look at me," he whispered in soft, demanding tone that's almost pleading.
The moment Rowan glanced in his direction, everything shifted.
