[color=lightgray]Azariah was sure now that there was bad blood between Eryn and her family, or at least a lot of [i]history.[/i] He wanted to ask about her siblings, but it was clear the Lunevere were a sensitive topic. He could respect that, so all he said was, [color=c83f49]“I see.”[/color]

Folded against his side, Eryn was a warm presence, unexpectedly comfortable. [color=c83f49]“I can try,”[/color] he hedged, because he had so much on his mind, he wasn’t sure he could fall asleep. [color=c83f49]“But no promises.”[/color] When his wife unlinked their hands to take of her gloves, he took the opportunity to remove his cloak. He’d usually not bother, but this time, he folded it into a neat square, and held it out to the lady at his side. [color=c83f49]“Here, if you want an extra layer. Not sure how good of a pillow my muscles make,”[/color] he grinned roguishly. 

He stood up to stretch, and since he was at it, detached the bright red ascot at his neck. He freed himself from the white jacket, and hung it and the tie on a hanger hook meant mostly for coats. He undid the top two buttons of his silken, black ruffled shirt, loosening the tight fit he was unused to. Azar rolled his shoulders, craned his neck left and right, and stretched his spine with faint cracklings resounding as he raised his arms above his head. A satisfied sigh escaped him as he sat back, legs extended in front of him – since no one was sitting opposite them, there was space enough.

[color=c83f49]“The gloves can be washed,”[/color] he flicked a dismissive glance to the article of clothing. A speck of gray under Eryn’s eye caught his attention. He raised a hand to her face, but stopped just shy of touching her. He wanted to, but he wasn’t sure [i]she[/i] did. [color=c83f49]“There’s a bit, uh…”[/color] he gestured to the area around her eye. [color=c83f49]“I’d rather not mess it up, though.”[/color] He leaned against the wall of the carriage, and reached out for her hand when she offered it. [color=c83f49]“Go on, rest,”[/color] he patted his lap. [color=c83f49]“I’ll watch over you.”[/color]

She let her settle however she liked, brushing her unclothed fingers. He had not taken notice of it before, but her hands were a larger than he’d have expected. They were also somewhat bony, her digits long and elegant. He caressed each of them, his interest evident. His pads pressed against her fingertips, her knuckles, her wrist, exploring. Azar stopped when he noticed her look, and gave her a smile that was part charm, part apology. [color=c83f49]“My bad. You’re very alluring. I will let you sleep in peace, I promise.”[/color]

Saying so, he watched her for a while longer, then turned to look out of the carriage’s window. Long after her breathing slowed into a calm, steady rhythm, he remained awake, wondering at the turn his life had taken. 

He was [i]married[/i] now. And maybe it was because of the literal goddesses-granted bond entwining their soul, but it wasn’t bad. He felt oddly protective of Eryn, and there was a strange desire to offer her a place where she really felt like she could belong. He’d [i]never[/i] experienced that before. He had no idea what to make of it either.

Azariah exhaled, long, and slow. Maybe it’d be best to focus on plotting against Kizoh. That, too, was a distant goal, but he believed from the core of his heart that it was achievable.

He did not notice when he finally fell asleep. 

Some time later, a knock from the outside startled him awake. He was immediately alert – a habit still ingrained in him from his time as a soldier and as a mercenary, even years after he’d quit. [color=c83f49]“What is it?”[/color]

His sister, Orianne peeked in. [color=white]“Azar, we’re stopping for lunch.”[/color] Her eyes flitted to his wife. [color=white]“Let me know if you need me, I’ll be close.”[/color]

The young lord nodded, then turned to the lady at his side. [color=c83f49]“Eryn.”[/color] He tried not to jostle her, but put a palm on her shoulder, squeezing. [color=c83f49]“We’re taking a break here. Let’s go out, yeah?”[/color]
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