"May I carry you up, Princess?"
The statement is so foreign to me that it completely shocks me out of my daze.
"Carry me..?"
Valerian nods, gesturing up to the dimly lit array of stairs that stretch out before us with a blithe wave of his hand. Blankly, I stare at the entrance before me, the cogs working in my brain at a momently slow pace. Noticing my hesitation, Valerian gives a little, honeyed laugh, stepping back a little in order to give me room to think.
"Yes, carry you. Of course, if you don't want to, I completely understand. But being part of my court, I am responsible for your safety down here, and frankly, you are swaying on the spot and seem to be having a hard time processing everything. The memory splaying process seems to have taken a great toll on you. I would much rather help you get up to the bedroom safely then have you collapse on me."
