Althea entered her office, her mind full of the events from the imperial court. She had to discuss strategies with Vyan about when—
The moment she stepped inside, her eyes immediately landed on Clyde and she forgot all about her worries. He was lounging comfortably on the couch, and as soon as he saw her, his entire face lit up.
The sight warmed her heart in a way she was still getting used to.
"Althea!" Clyde practically leaped to his feet, crossing the room in a few quick strides to pull her into a warm hug. "How did everything go? Tell me you dazzled them."
As she melted into his embrace, Althea couldn't help but smile, feeling a surge of contentment wash over her. She loved that she could have Clyde so close now—so effortlessly, without the invisible barrier that had once existed between them. Those days when he kept his distance, hesitant and uncertain, seemed like a distant memory now.
