Noel returned to his room still breathing hard from the argument. His loose white shirt clung slightly to his back from the tension, and his face was red from it.
Rowan followed close behind and closed the door softly.
Then Rowan clapped his hands slowly, three times.
Noel spun around, cheeks burning even hotter.
"Why are you clapping?" he asked, with his voice cracking slightly.
Rowan lowered his hands. He looked at Noel with steady grey eyes.
"I didn't understand a single word you said to your father," he said quietly. "But I'm glad you stood up for me."
Noel scoffed, half-laughing, half-embarrassed.
"I had to," he said, running a hand through his hair. "Since I already included a room for you in my dream house blueprint. Can't have my future roommate still being a slave, can I?"
Rowan lowered his head.
"Thank you, my lord," he said softly.
Noel blushed harder, his face practically glowing. He sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor.
