With tentative steps he approached her, not quite knowing how to offer his comfort. General Elai sat down beside her, and very naturally reached out to hold her bandaged hand.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't help."
"It's not your place," she answered blandly. "Why are you here?"
"I'd heard you were awake but were forbidden visitors. Now I see why," he said bitterly.
"You shouldn't be here." Verinia pulled her hand back, not caring about how the sudden movement could affect her wound. "It's improper."
"I think you and I are very much past impropriety, Your Highness."
She could not refute that. They had been in so many situations where the possibilities for a misunderstanding bloomed, that it was a little hypocritical of her to make mention of this now.
He had touched her skin too many times. Now, he was sneaking into her room.
