That night, as Julian watched the garden from the balcony, wishing he could somehow sneak in, he got a knock on his door.
And it was a very familiar knock.
He didn't even get to turn around to know who just opened his door after a single knock and walked in.
"You aren't asleep," the Duke's voice rumbled as he walked in.
It was at this point that Julian turned, his expression neutral. Duke Alaric wasn't wearing his heavy mantle or anything of note. He was back to being scantily dressed, wearing a loose robe that very well exposed his chest.
He looked less like a 'War God' and more like the man who had shared a bottle of wine just a few nights prior, but did not look any less imposing.
"I find it difficult to rest in new places, remember, Your Grace?" Julian replied.
The Duke stepped further into the room, his gaze fixed firmly on the lines on the wall rather than on Julian. He still couldn't bring himself to look him in the eye when they were in a private space.
