Julian noticed the way Alaric's jaw instantly locked, his sharp blue eyes flashing with a sudden, heavy intensity before he quickly smoothed his expression back down.
"What is it, Lucien?" Julian asked quietly, tilting his head as his scholar's instincts flared. "Is something wrong?"
Alaric casually brushed his large hand through the air, offering a relaxed, easy smile that didn't quite reach his eyes as he picked up his teacup again. "It's nothing for you to worry about, Julian. Just some state matters regarding the northern registries. Not a big deal."
Julian stared at him for a long moment. He could tell, clear as day, that his lover was actively hiding something from him. He had even hidden some papers from him that morning before breakfast.
But the darkness in Alaric's eyes didn't carry panic or danger—it felt more like a protective barrier.
