Hiral watched Alexis a moment longer—the way his fingers traced the embroidery, the quiet, unmistakable fondness softening his features.
Then, almost casually, Hiral said, "It would be perfect if you used it during council meetings."
Alexis glanced up.
"A chance to show off," Hiral continued, tone light with humor, "such a masterpiece that's yours. Fully and truly yours."
'Fully and truly yours'… masterpiece that's mine…
With that thought a small smile tugged at Alexis's lips.
"I agree."
He held the handkerchief up again, examining it as if already imagining it in place.
"In fact," Alexis added, raising a finger as though struck by brilliance, "it would make the perfect accessory for tomorrow's council meeting."
Hiral raised an eyebrow at that.
Alexis only smiled wider.
Hiral turned back to his meal, hiding the curve of his lips behind a composed expression as he took a bite.
But Alexis saw it.
Thinking Hiral was actually glad he'll use it soon, he clutched the handkerchief tighter.
Oh Hiral…
Without warning, he scooted closer—
And wrapped his arms around Hiral again.
Hiral didn't even look at him.
Instead, he calmly scooped up a spoonful of food—
And pushed it straight into Alexis's mouth before he could say a word.
Alexis blinked.
Caught entirely off guard.
"Swallow first," Hiral said flatly, though the faintest hint of amusement lingered in his voice, "before you attempt to laugh."
Alexis obeyed.
Then immediately broke into laughter anyway, his shoulders shaking as he tightened his embrace.
It was the second time Hiral fed him.
And, he loved it.
"You really—"
He laughed again, pressing his forehead briefly against Hiral's shoulder.
"You're becoming far too adorable for your own good."
Hiral scoffed.
"Delusional."
He lifted another spoonful.
"I am simply doing as I please. Nothing more."
This time, Alexis raised his brows.
"So, making me swoon comes naturally for you? Amazing."
Hiral shook his head and only smiled faintly in response—
And fed him another mouthful.
For a brief moment, everything felt… easy.
Warm.
Then Alexis leaned in, clearly aiming to steal kiss—
But Hiral's hand pressed lightly against his chest, stopping him.
"No."
Alexis blinked.
"You need to change," Hiral said, giving him a pointed look. "And refresh yourself before you even think of anything… intimate."
His nose wrinkled slightly.
"The scent of perfumes is far too strong."
Alexis paused.
Then, slowly, a teasing grin spread across his face.
"How insensitive of me," he said lightly, leaning just a bit closer on purpose. "Trying anything while I reek of others."
His eyes gleamed.
"I wonder… are you jealous?"
Hiral didn't even hesitate.
He scoffed.
"No. And, you are free to spend your nights elsewhere," he said coolly. "Since we had dinner together as you promised. Feel free to continue frolicking with others who have a penchant for strong perfumes."
Alexis inhaled sharply—
Then let out an exaggerated, dramatic sigh.
"Oh, how cruel. Thinking of me as a scoundrel and shooing me away as soon as you get what you want from me."
Before Hiral could react, Alexis slipped from his seat—
And knelt in front of him.
"Hm?" Hiral murmured, glancing down.
"It is quite terrible," Alexis continued solemnly, though the playful glint in his eyes betrayed him, "to think such things when you are the only one I long for."
Looking endearingly straight at Hiral's eyes, Alexis reached for Hiral's hand.
Lifted it gently.
And pressed a kiss to the back of it.
Then, slowly, he turned Hiral's hand over—
And kissed his palm.
Soft.
Lingering.
Then kissed it again.
Hiral felt his palm tingle and he can felt his cheeks warming up.
So before Alexis could try to kiss Hiral's palm once again,
Hiral leaned forward slightly, his expression unreadable.
Then he reached out—
Lifted Alexis's chin with two fingers—
And flicked his forehead.
"Go wash."
Alexis froze for half a second.
Then laughter burst out of him—bright, unrestrained, filling the room with warmth.
"As you command," he said between chuckles.
Still smiling, still reluctant, he rose to his feet—
And finally, obediently, went to do exactly as he was told.
The moment Alexis's footsteps faded beyond the door, the room fell into a quiet stillness.
Hiral leaned back in his seat, head resting lightly against the chair.
His eyes closed.
For a brief moment, he allowed himself to simply breathe.
Then he opened them again.
A small, bittersweet smile formed on his lips.
The plan had worked.
The handkerchief.
The signal.
By tomorrow, the court would see it—and somewhere within those walls, eyes loyal to him would understand.
Everything would begin to move.
As planned.
His gaze drifted toward the window, where moonlight spilled softly across the floor.
Will this be enough?
The thought came unbidden.
Would these fleeting, gentle moments… be enough to make up for what was to come?
Or would they only become something that haunted Alexis later?
Hiral exhaled quietly.
A soft sigh.
Then he reached for his meal again.
He ate quickly this time.
Efficient.
Without pause.
Without savor.
And he noticed it.
The food—
It had become tasteless.
A stark contrast to just moments ago, when laughter and warmth had filled the room.
Hiral's hand stilled slightly.
Then he smiled again.
This time, softer.
Sadder.
Before the thought could linger any longer—
Footsteps returned.
Fast.
Familiar.
The door opened with barely contained energy as Alexis stepped in, hair still damp—no, dripping—from his hurried wash.
Water trailed down the strands, darkening the collar of his clothes.
And he was grinning.
Hiral took one look—
And scowled.
"Sit."
Alexis's grin widened.
Without argument, he obeyed, settling into the nearest chair.
Hiral grabbed a towel with practiced ease and moved behind him.
The moment his hands touched Alexis's hair—
He started rough.
Not enough to hurt.
But enough to make a point.
"Very subtle…," Hiral said flatly, drying his hair with firm, brisk motions.
Alexis laughed.
Completely unbothered.
"Hey, it works," he said, eyes half-lidded in contentment, "so maybe I should try being subtle more?"
Hiral clicked his tongue softly but didn't stop.
Alexis grinned.
Despite the initial roughness, his movements gradually softened.
Careful.
Thorough.
Unconsciously gentle.
Alexis leaned slightly into the touch, clearly enjoying every second of it.
It didn't take long.
Soon enough, Hiral finished, tossing the towel aside.
"Finish your dinner."
Alexis turned toward him.
Opened his mouth.
Hiral narrowed his eyes.
But Alexis simply closed his eyes, staying still—
Mouth still open.
Waiting.
Hiral stared at him for a moment.
Then, with a quiet exhale of resignation, he picked up the spoon.
And fed him.
One bite.
Then another.
Alexis smiled between each mouthful, far too pleased with himself.
Once he was done—
Hiral set the spoon down.
Then, without warning, turned on his heel and walked straight toward the bed.
"I'm sleeping," he said simply, already slipping beneath the covers.
Alexis blinked.
"Wait—"
Too late.
Hiral had already settled in.
Alexis immediately rushed after him—
Only for Hiral's leg to shoot out from under the covers in a swift-
Kick.
Alexis dodged it easily.
"You still need to clean up," Hiral said, voice calm but firm.
Alexis froze mid-step.
Then pouted.
"You're heartless."
Hiral chuckled.
Soft.
Unrestrained.
And hearing that laugh—
Alexis's pout melted into a smile.
"Fine," he muttered, turning back with reluctant obedience.
"I'll clean up."
But the warmth in his chest lingered.
Because he knew that Hiral's chuckle meant he could stay beside him tonight.
And staying beside Hiral was more than enough reward for his troubles that day.