As the sun began to rise into the sky, Julian got out of bed and washed up. He could feel the Duke's intense gaze on him as he walked towards the washroom to wash off the sticky, cold sweat.
He was certain the Duke would rush at the opportunity if he asked for help, but he kept his lips sealed and went, "I'm fine. I'm not injured, and my body is fine, so I can take care of my own bath."
It almost made the Duke wish there was something wrong so he could help. He sighed and turned his head away. He missed the days when he helped him clean up, but he didn't really miss them, because in those days, Julian was in agonizing pain.
…
Julian adjusted the stiff collar of his midnight blue coat. It was a rich, somber color, embroidered with silver thread along the cuffs—formal enough to attend a hearing with the Emperor at the palace, but simple enough to maintain the image of a dedicated Royal Tutor.
