Julian buried his face into Alaric's shoulder in a desperate attempt to vanish. He could hear the soft, collective gasp from the women, as well as the whispers and giggles.
Lucius, sitting in the corner, quickly clamped his hands over his mouth to hide a giggle. The maids quickly bowed their heads, their eyes darting between the Duke's protective hold and Julian's bright red ears, before scurrying over to the bed.
"Are you uncomfortable?" The Duke asked, acting completely oblivious, and Julian had this strong urge to tell him to shut up, but kept his own mouth shut.
It was too embarrassing.
When Alaric finally settled Julian back into the fresh, crisp sheets, the room felt different. Julian was sure that his title as the Duke's Lover would circulate all over the house in an instant just from what the maids had seen and heard.
That bunch would never keep their mouths shut.
