Loreen's POV
He simply tightened his hold slightly and began walking toward the west wing, toward his father's chambers. His mind was too loud, too full, and he needed something to hold on to. Something that would anchor him to the present.
For reasons he could not explain, that something was Sairis.
"This is a bad idea," Sairis muttered as they turned a corner, trying to keep his voice low. "People will talk, Loreen."
Loreen scoffed under his breath. "They are already talking," he said. "And I do not care."
Sairis let out a quiet, frustrated breath. "I cannot believe I am going to become the topic of gossip," he muttered. "I cannot imagine what this would do to Lady Candice's image. Her future husband, holding her aide's hand."
Loreen glanced at him briefly, a faint edge of amusement in his expression despite everything pressing on his shoulders.
