if any words were spoken to him as he walked past iedolas was numb to them, merely glaring daggers into the eyes of the shield at regis' side. then would he look to regis and upturn his nose, walking silently towards his chambers without so much as stumbling.
Regis had in factgreeted the emperor though his lips soon fell from their soft smilewhen he was all but blanked by Iedolas. Brows pinched together, asubtle frown to his features as he tried to not let it get to him.
Clarus at his leftremained stoic and steadfast, nothing betraying his features even ifhis gaze hardened at the sight of Iedolas. Damn that man, damn how heprowled about the corridors like this was his place.No. No. This was Regis’ home, Regis’ city and Iedolas reeked ofbetrayal—betrayal that came as the guise of an outstretched hand.Damn him for everything, every look, every touch, damn him for takingRegis away from him.
Claruswas bitter, bitter about everything and it was not fair.
ButClarus, as is his way, would support Regis, even if it pained him, even if it tore him apart from the inside out. Clarus would always support him.
Regis waited until hecould no longer hear the emperor’s footsteps upon the stone before hecame to a halt, eyes falling shut with a heavy sigh.
“-Don’t.” Clarus’voice was sharp, barely concealed pain inflecting into histone.“Regis don’t.”
Registurned upon his heel, a single hand coming to rest upon Clarus’ arm. They remained like that for a moment, a gloved hand over Regis’ own, fingers gripping gently.
“I’msorry, my friend.. but I must.”
Withthat Regis set off after Iedolas, leaving Clarus standing in thehallway with no one to witness the pain on his face.