The doors to the imperial suite opened just enough for the attendants to see inside—then stopped.

Luhan didn’t even look up from where he was carefully fixing the edge of the emperor’s sleeve.

“You can stop standing like statues,” he said calmly. “It’s just morning.”

A pause.

He adjusted the fold of ceremonial fabric draped over the emperor’s shoulders like it had personally offended him.

“They’re fine. Just tired. Coronations tend to do that to people.”

The emperor shifted slightly behind him, still half-asleep, leaning into Luhan’s presence without thinking about it.

Luhan noticed immediately.

“Drink water,” he added, quieter, but still aimed at the room. “And bring breakfast. They haven’t eaten since last night.”

Another pause while he finally straightened the emperor’s collar, like it mattered more than anything in the hall outside.

“If you’re waiting for formality,” Luhan said, finally glancing toward the doorway, “you already missed it.”

He rested his hand lightly at the back of the emperor’s neck—steady, familiar.

“Now go. Let my husband wake up in peace.”