Damon finally looked up, his dark eyes following Kassian's gaze. "Lady Sera is... persistent. I don't understand why she chooses to spend her mornings in the heat of the barracks when she could be in the library."
Kassian let out a low, resonant chuckle. "You're a genius on the battlefield, Damon, but you're a complete idiot when it comes to the heart. She's not here for the architecture."
Kassian leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, his expression turning curious. Through the link, he could feel Vera's embarrassment. He could feel her laughter. It was a bright, musical sensation that tickled his own marrow.
"She's laughing," Kassian whispered, his voice softening. "She's actually laughing with someone who isn't Milo or me. I've never felt her like this... so light. So... young."
Damon watched his Emperor, a flicker of respect in his stoic gaze. "The Thief has found a friend, Sire. It is good for her. A Sovereign needs more than just an emperor to ground her."
