The hot water cascaded over Kael's shoulders like a belated blessing, trickling slowly down his tense back and carrying away the accumulated weight of days—perhaps weeks—of tension, fear, and responsibility.
He rested one hand on the stone wall of the bath, closing his eyes for a moment longer than necessary, feeling his body finally succumb to the weariness he had been ignoring since waking from his coma.
The steam filled the space, muffling the sounds of the mansion, creating a small, isolated world where, for a few minutes, he could pretend there was no Empire, Emperor, ancient pacts, or three women capable of turning his life upside down.
He took a deep breath, letting his head fall slightly forward, the water running through his hair as he tried to organize his thoughts.
He didn't immediately notice the change in the air, the slight shift, the almost imperceptible sound of footsteps beyond the steam.
