And thank goodness for that. Thought a certain husband who could only keep such thoughts to himself.
Sometimes, he hated himself for this.
Xavier looked toward Luca, who was now walking just in front of him, trailing behind the Marshal. They were being led toward the Marshal's office to discuss the offer, one that could change the empire's future.
To everyone else, the hallway was filled with the quiet hum of boots on metal floors. Most people wouldn't know what this meeting was for and would assume it was for courtesy.
But because he was privy to information, he understood what this deal meant. Each step a supposed prelude to excitement, and each stride a chance to be closer to being a part of something historic.
Yet to Imperial Crown Prince Xavier Aeric Theron Solaris, everything felt muted. Like watching light ripple beneath dark water.
Still, he trailed behind Luca, just a step slower, eyes drawn—as always—to the back of the one person who never stopped moving forward.
