The corridor outside Austin's room was empty. Austin stood with his back to the door, arms crossed. Emeric stood a few steps away, relaxed.
"You need to stay away from her," Austin began.
"She is my friend, Your Grace. Nothing else."
"I know what she is to you. But that's not the point right now." Austin uncrossed his arms and stepped forward. "People in this castle have been talking about you two since you arrived. Every hour you spend with her, every walk in the garden, every lesson in the library, it all gets noticed."
"I came only because she was unwell. She has been alone in this castle since she arrived, and no one else was going to check on her. She was sitting there by herself, feverish with no one to talk to."
Austin hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"I'm not asking you to stop being her friend," Austin said quietly. "I'm just asking you to be careful. One wrong look, one scandalous rumour, and she will be a target."
Emeric nodded slowly and stepped back.
