“Don’t get up,” Yulien said quickly as Raena pushed herself off the couch where she was sitting. Kassian had gone to fetch him after some convincing, and seeing how fast they returned, the Emperor probably hadn’t been sleeping, even though it was barely the break of dawn.
Raena sank back into her cushions, catching the blanket covering her feet just before it fell to the floor. Kassian took a seat next to her, while Yulien slipped into the chair across from them, his shoulders stiff with tension. Kassian wore a similar expression and avoided his brother’s gaze, which could only mean something had happened between them. But whatever it was, it would have to wait.
The silence stretched for a few long seconds before Yulien broke it.
“I appreciate you wanting to speak with me, but shouldn’t
