The palace felt colder than Alaric remembered or maybe it was just the mood.
He didn't wait to be announced. The guards outside Arin's chamber stepped aside immediately.
Alaric pushed the door open.
When he entered, he noticed the curtains were drawn open.
Arin sat by the tall window at the far end of the room in a loose robe.
He had a bottle of gin in his hand, drinking straight from it.
Alaric closed the door behind him.
"Why are you drinking in broad daylight?"
Arin didn't turn.
He lifted the bottle and took another slow sip before answering.
"Why do you keep visiting like you're babysitting and I'm a toddler?"
Alaric walked forward.
When he reached him, he reached down and took the bottle straight from Arin's hand.
Arin let him, which was worse.
Alaric set it on the nearby table.
"This is exactly why I keep coming." He said.
Arin gave a short snort. "It's been a month, Ric." He leaned back in the chair, finally glancing at him. "I don't need you hovering."
