Zarius lay perfectly flat on the mattress, his breath hitching instantly as the bed dipped under Cherion's weight. The sudden, intense proximity sent a shockwave through his system, his heart hammering violently against his ribs.
It wasn't a reaction born of fear, there wasn't a single soul in the entire empire who could make the leader of the North forces feel truly threatened, but rather the intoxicating, overwhelming weight of Cherion taking absolute, unapologetic charge.
Zarius blinked up at him, caught off guard by the look in Cherion's eyes. Zarius could only watch, increasingly distracted as Cherion moved closer.
Then, Cherion's hands reached up to his own collar.
