@bliss-writes Living among another people was always a test of adaptability, whether he could learn the language, the customs, Quinn enough to avoid trouble. But he had never lived with anyone who touched so freely as the elves. The first week hadn't been too much but once he had become some fixture in the routine of the castle he noted more and more, brushes against his hips, pats on the shoulder. A few times someone would brush fingers against his neck or ear and he'd jump , one unsuspecting soul got a hiss from him for touch just below his ear. The guard received an apology later but didn't try that spot again. The elves were free with touch which was why he couldn't figure out the Prince. He touched others in the halls, was known for those he bedded and his meticulous look, but ever since the King had seen them close- after the fight that ended with them in bed, a sword in Axel's chest- Aubrey had pulled away. He ignored the Vampire when he passed, hardly a brush of shoulders even in tight passages, though others received his affections freely. Axel missed those touched just a bit. With his the young royal had acted before Axel expected that maybe, just maybe they were heading toward something that could last a while. He was retiring from sparring with the guards, a pastime he'd taken to only recently, when he saw the prince ahead in the hall. Only two guards were present and Aubrey had a hand on ones shoulder. Axel looked away and continued walking, bare feet noiseless and face a perfect mask of contentment.