Despite the years that have passed and his hair now starting to pepper with gray, it seems that there are things that’ll never change.

“Don’t you have more pressing tasks to preoccupy your time with, instead of fretting over me?” the Emperor asks, tongue sharp as his eyes narrowed into a slight glare — For someone who has had countless etiquette lessons shoved down his throat from birth, Bruce really needed to work on his bedside manners. He could already hear the imminent future scolding he’d receive from Alfred later in his head. Probably along the lines of ‘treating the Maester with the respect their title owed them’ and whatnot.

It was intended to be just a simple walk through one of the palace’s many manicured gardens. A change in pace from the monotonous stage and scenery of the stuffy air found within his chambers. There were only so many hidden work documents he could sign before the ink would start to bleed into nonsense amongst the parchment. But despite the countless physical therapy sessions and ritualistic magical blessings he’s endured, his back was beginning to ache.

Patience is a virtue, but the road to recovery was a long and arduous journey. Bruce should give himself more credit here. It’s not every day one would narrowly survive an assassination attempt on their life. He could, however, berate himself for even letting his vigilance lower enough to allow for such a thing to happen in the first place.

An awkward moment of silence befell them both before the Emperor cleared his throat. “I apologize,” he gruffed out. “I tend to lose my temper when I am…”

Another pause.

“…In pain.”

The admission hurt his pride, and he knew that the image of the steadfast and unshakable ruler he had carefully crafted, was crumbling right before his eyes. Vulnerability was never his strongest suit, then again, the mere concept of it was never offered to the living embodiment of the crown.

Alfred was right in the end. Perhaps he should take the time to heal not only physically, but mentally as well — It wouldn’t kill him to slow down a little, even though it may sometimes feel like it.