Chapter 99: Messages in Silence and Matters of the Heart
Edmund stood before his master with brows faintly drawn, the question still hanging in the air like an unsolved riddle.
Julian, for his part, adjusted his spectacles with a measured motion, though the slight colour at the tips of his ears betrayed him.
At length, Edmund cleared his throat.
"My lord," he began cautiously, "I fear I do not entirely understand the nature of your inquiry."
Julian exhaled softly, as though bracing himself.
"You need not understand it," he replied, his tone composed, though a hint of impatience crept in. "Only answer it."
Edmund inclined his head.
"As you wish."
He paused, considering his words with care befitting his station.
"I may have… some understanding of love, yes," he admitted. "Though I would hesitate to claim mastery over it. It is not a discipline one perfects, I think."
Julian's gaze sharpened slightly.
"You have been married for five years."
"Yes, my lord."
