With a choked sound, the Duke dropped to his knees in front of Julian. He didn't untie the ropes; instead, he surged forward and buried his face in Julian's lap, his massive arms wrapping around Julian's waist and the chair.
He held him with a crushing, trembling strength, as if he were trying to anchor Julian's soul to the physical world.
"L-Lucien?" Julian whispered, his heart hammering against his ribs in confusion. "What is it? Why am I... why are you acting like this?"
Alaric pulled back just enough to look Julian in the eye. His face was a mask of agony.
"I'm sorry," he rasped, his voice breaking. "I'm so sorry, Julian. I can't take these off you yet. Not until I know how to hide you."
Julian's breath hitched. "Hide me? Why? What…" He choked, the words heavy as he asked, "What happened?"
"You don't remember?" Alaric's grip tightened on Julian's bound arms.
"Remember what?"
