The night was still when Aurelian reached the meeting point.

He didn’t bring an escort. He never did. The dark cloak hid his figure as he moved through the vegetation, following a path he knew far too well for someone who, in theory, wasn’t supposed to be there.

He stopped when he felt that familiar presence in the air. “You know,” he finally said, breaking the silence, “one day I’m going to ask if you enjoy making me cross half the kingdom just to show up whenever you feel like it.”

He didn’t sound annoyed. Just… aware. Aurelian stepped a little closer, leaning against an ancient stone, his light eyes searching the shadows where he knew you were.

The moon barely lit his face when he lifted his gaze. “So I hope this time you had a good reason for calling me,” he murmured.

“Because, as always… I came anyway.” There was confidence in his tone. And something harder to hide.