She saved her notes, then looked up at me. “How are you? Really. You look exhausted.”
“I'm fine.”
“Sebastian.” She moved closer. Touched my arm. The same gesture she'd made a thousand times. Comfort. Concern. Her hand was warm. Familiar. But something about the grip felt measured. Deliberate. “You can lie to everyone else. Not to me. What's going on?”
I glanced at Viktor. He gave a small nod.
“Just tired,” I said. “Everything that's been happening. The attempts. The pressure. It's wearing.”
“I know.” Her hand squeezed gently. Then released. Her fingers trailed down my forearm as she pulled away. Light. Almost imperceptible. Like she was checking for something. “But you're handling it. Better than anyone expected.”
The words should have felt comforting. Did feel comforting. But underneath, something nagged.
“Your father's proud,” she continued. “Even if he doesn't say it. He told me yesterday that you've been more present. More engaged.” She smiled. “Whatever you're doing, it's working.”
“Good to know I'm meeting expectations.”
“You're exceeding them.” She collected her tablet. Held it close to her chest. “You're in good hands. Viktor's been...” She paused. Chose her words carefully. “Attentive. Very thorough with security protocols.”
“He does his job well,” I said carefully.
“More than his job, I think.” Her voice was gentle. Understanding.She glanced at Viktor. Then back to me. “I'm glad. You deserve someone who actually sees you.”
She moved toward the door, paused with her hand on the handle. Looked back at me with something soft in her expression. “Get some rest, Sebastian. Real rest. You look like you need it.”
Her eyes flicked to Viktor one more time. Quick. Assessing. Then back to me.
“I'll send you the final schedule once I've confirmed everything.” She smiled. Perfect. Practiced. “Sleep well.”
She left. Door closing with a soft click.
Silence settled. Heavy. Thick.
“She's always been like that,” I said finally. “Efficient. Caring. Always making sure everything runs smoothly.”
“Da.” Viktor moved to the window. Looked out at the gardens below. “She is good at her job.”
“She's been my friend since we were children. Since my mother died. She's the only person outside this room who knows about...” I gestured vaguely. “Everything.”
“Is good to have friend you trust.”
Something in his tone made me pause. “But?”
“No but.” He turned to face me. “Just observation. She pays attention. Notices things.”
“That's what makes her good at her job.”
“Da. Is true.” He moved closer. Touched my face. “I am glad you have person you trust. Everyone needs that.”
He kissed me. Soft. Gentle. Changing the subject without saying it.
I let him. Let the conversation drift away. Let the questions I wasn't quite ready to ask settle into the back of my mind.
We moved to the bed. Shed clothes. Slid under covers that smelled like cedar and safety.
Viktor pulled me against his chest. Arms around me. Warm. Solid. Real.
“Are you happy?” I asked into the darkness.
