Elsie's POV I cleared my throat thoroughly, forcing my voice into its deep, raspy Elias disguise. "Good morning, Your Majesty."He just let out a low, gravelly grunt and walked past me toward his large desk, taking his seat. He looked to be fully recovered from the ordeal, exactly as expected of him. The vulnerable man I had seen fighting for control the night before was completely gone. He was back to being imposing, cold, and downright scary.He didn't look at me as he shifted his papers. "You can leave now," he said flatly. "Don't come back until I call for you."My mouth opened and closed in shock. I stood there like a fish out of water for a second, stunned by the icy dismissal. Then, catching myself, I just bowed wordlessly, my chest tightening, and turned around to leave the tent.What exactly just happened? Why on earth was he keeping his distance and being so terribly cold to me again? Was he so embarrassed that his squire had witnessed him in such a compromising position?
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