"Problem, Raaevik?"
The voice from the corridor snapped him back to reality.Spinning, his hand dropped to his weapon before he registered the speaker.
Thyaar.His second-in-command strode up the corridor toward him.He stopped a few feet away, leaning casually against the wall, but his eyes were sharp.Too sharp.
"You're standing guard," Thyaar noted."Shift change was an hour ago.Raayk is supposed to be on this door."
"I relieved him," Raaevik growled.
Thyaar didn't blink.He looked at the closed door, then back."You're relieving a lot of people lately.You look like shit, brother."
"It's been a long cycle."
"Is it?"Thyaar pushed off the wall and took a step closer.The casual slouch vanished."Or is it something else?Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're hunting.And you're standing outside the wrong door for that."
Raaevik stiffened."Watch your tongue."
"I'm watching yours," Thyaar shot back."I saw you in the garden.I saw you run after her."
"She was distressed.It was a security matter."
"Trall."Thyaar lowered his voice."We're friends, Raaevik.I'd die for you.You know that.But if you do what I think you're thinking of doing… if you touch what belongs to Him…"
"I know my duty," Raaevik snarled.The defensive anger flared hot and fast.
"Do you?"Thyaar held his gaze for a long moment.Then he sighed, shaking his head."I hope so.For all our sakes."
He clapped Raaevik on the shoulder and walked on.Raaevik watched him go, gut twisting.
Heavy footsteps echoed from the far end of the corridor.Distinctive.Confident.He'd recognise it anywhere, all of them did.
Raaevik snapped to attention as the Emperor turned the corner.He was alone, still wearing his formal leathers, though the crown was gone.He looked exhausted, rubbing at his temple as he walked.When he saw Raaevik, he paused, and the tired lines of his face smoothed into a smile.
"Raaevik," he said."I should have known."
"Your Majesty."Raaevik kept his eyes forward.
Daaynal nodded toward Emily's door."She returned safely?"
"Yes, Sire."
"Good."Daaynal sighed, stepping closer.He didn't look like an Emperor now.He looked like a man seeking comfort from a friend."She is human, Raaevik, and this is a big change for her.I saw it in the hall tonight.She was terrified, and I hate that I am the cause of it."
"She is resilient, Sire," he managed.
"She is.But I worry about her.I cannot always be here to watch over her.The court is… cruel.But knowing you are here?"Daaynal reached out and gripped his shoulder."I know my mate is safe in your hands.I know you would never let harm come to her.Your loyalty is the one thing in this galaxy I do not have to question."
The words burned like acid.
Safe in your hands.
He could still taste her on his lips.
"I live to serve," he murmured.It was the only truth he had left.
"I know."Daaynal patted his shoulder and stepped back."Get some rest soon, Raaevik.That is an order."
"Yes, Sire."
