The days passed in an unchanging rhythm, with Tiberius settling into a routine, each moment blending into the next in the quiet solitude of his room. Yet despite the steady flow of monotony, he noticed a shift in his young servant. The boy's eyes always held Tiberius figure whenever he entered , always making sure he was disarmed, even though he attempted to keep his gaze respectfully lowered.
Tiberius found the transformation almost amusing. Where once the boy had slipped into the room like a shadow, practically ignoring Tiberius's presence, he now lingered just a moment longer as if waiting to catch a hint of expression or movement. And though their exchanges were wordless, Tiberius could sense the boy's tension whenever he set the tray down.
He'd even become more eager to answer this time, readily disclosing small details whenever he asked something
