What?
The question screamed in Julian's mind, but his throat was too constricted to let it out. This was madness. This was a violation that had nothing to do with etiquette or Lucius's 'assault' in the Solvar.
"I... Your Majesty, I do not understand," Julian managed to say, his fingers white-knuckled as he clutched the cotton sash. "How does this... how does this serve as atonement for the Young Lord's actions?"
Aurelian tilted his head, a slow, mocking smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. "You were the one who so boldly agreed to take his place, Master Astrea. You said you would do anything to atone. Or was that merely a scholar's empty rhetoric?"
The Emperor's gaze sharpened, his voice deepening, cold and absolute.
"I do not intend to repeat myself a second time. If you wish to protect the boy, you will show me exactly what it is you are guarding so fiercely."
