"It's just a scratch. I got treated right away. I don't know where you heard otherwise, but it wasn't anything worth worrying about."
A long scar was visible on his arm, but it was already healing, the edges faint. Anyone could see it would vanish in a few days. Lowell traced the fading wound with him finger.
"You promise you wouldn't get hurt."
The words slipped out, driven by the backlash of long-held worry. But Felix didn't scold him. Instead, he released a wave of pheromones to soothe him.
"There was one that came down close to the village. It was about to attack a child, and before I knew it, my body just moved on its own."
Felix's gaze dropped to Lowell's stomach. It was easy to see why he had reacted so strongly to a child in danger—he was thinking of the one growing inside Lowell.
"Still, I apologize for not keeping my promise."
He completely unfurled his cloak and wrapped it around Lowell. The cloak, tailored to Felix's frame, convered Lowell from head to toe. Lifting him in his arms, Felix stroked into the lodging without hesitation.
"Y-Your Grace?"
The Innkeeper, finally realizing who the visitor was, stumbled over his words in panic.
"I'll be staying one quiet night. Just go about your business as usual."
Felix said it like a simple command.
"Y-Yes, sir!"
It was effectively impossible, but also not something he could refuse. The Innkeeper obediently answered, hoping no trouble would arise. Felix passed through the prying stares and entered the room Lowell had been using.
"Are you calm now?"
Laid gently on the bed, Lowell nodded. Only after confirming Felix had no injuries aside from his arm did he began to feel relief—and embarrassment.
"I'm sorry I lost my composure. It's my first time seeing someone I care about return from battle. I think I got overwhelmed."
Even as he said that, Lowell knew it was excessive. He wasn't the one who went into battle.
"I see."
Felix leaned against the bed and pulled Lowell into his lap. As Lowell settled without protest, Felix began massaging his limbs and buried his nose in the crook of his neck, as if refusing to miss even a trace of pheromone.
"I was worried too."
Felix finally admitted after a long silence. Having imprinted one-sidedly, he couldn't stop thinking about his mate left behind in unfamiliar territory. Anxious that something might happen, he had wrapped up the subjugation faster than usual and rushed back.
"I didn't leave the Inn, though."
"Did you eat?"
Felix asked like he was checking off tasks on a list.
"I managed a little."
Lowell chose honesty over a lie. Felix signaled to Tia with his eyes.
"While he was eating, he heard about Your Grace being injured and was startled. I think it would be best if he finished his meal later."
"I see."
Felix held back a sigh of disapproval. Lowell looked a little dispirited.
"We'll eat something light together in a bit."
"Yes."
In Felix's arms, Lowell gradually began to calm down. The dark cloud that had gripped his heart lifted, only to be replaced with a sudden wave of embarrassment.
"I'm the master of this land. I can't promise I'll never go to battle, but I swear I'll always come back in one piece. In return, Lowell, I want you to swear you'll do everything in your power to stay safe."
Felix's voice was firm. Even after leaving Lowell in the safest possible place, it was clear he would still worry.
Worry, by another name, was affection.
Lowell had a lightning-like realization.
Why did Felix make me think of my late parents?
The reason was obvious. He was afraid of losing someone precious again. To rephrase it slightly—Felix had already become someone precious to Lowell.
What should I do?
Even when he tried to deny his feelings, haunted by past wounds, his heart had quietly continued to grow.
Lowell had realized, at last, the he was completely soaked by Felix's steady, drizzling affection. And now, unable to fully accept it but also unable to pretend he didn't notice, he buried himself deeper into Felix's embrace.