Lorraine found Roman in his study again, maps and papers spread across the desk like a general plotting his next war. The glow of a desk lamp painted his face in stark lines, highlighting the sharp cut of his cheekbones and the shadows under his eyes. He looked every bit the man who carried the weight of an empire on his shoulders. They had been distant for a few days, barely sharing words together in the hallways in passing. She wasn't sure what the cold shoulder treatment was about. Just a few nights ago everything was fine.
She lingered at the doorway for a moment, uncertain. But then she took a breath and stepped inside. “Roman, we need to talk.”
His head lifted, those stormy eyes fixing on her instantly. For a heartbeat, his expression softened at the sight of her—but then his gaze
