Despite the shifting tensions that had shadowed the palace halls in recent weeks, the court was unusually quiet today. It was as though even the walls had agreed to take a breath. Lucien welcomed it. He welcomed the way the sun filtered through the tall windows of the council room, painting the marble floors with gold. He welcomed the silence, too—a blessed reprieve from the endless debates, the daggered whispers, the sideways glances.
He had half a mind to nap in his seat.
Alexander, unfortunately, looked like he had every intention of keeping Lucien on his toes.
"Are you even awake, husband?" Alexander leaned over from his chair, voice low and teasing. "Or have I married a remarkably well-dressed statue?"
Lucien gave him a glare that was only half-hearted. "Some of us enjoy peace. You should try it sometime."
"Oh, I enjoy many things," Alexander murmured, a wicked smile dancing on his lips. "Peace just isn't one of them."
