Julius's eyes snapped open, his vision locking onto a familiar ceiling. For a moment, he lay there in stunned silence before bolting upright.
"Maverick!" he shouted, only to be sharply reminded of his injuries. Pain lanced through his abdomen, forcing a groan from his lips as he clutched the wound.
"Don't move carelessly. Your wound reopened last night," a calm voice came from the corner of the room.
Julius turned his head, spotting Maverick seated in an armchair, a book resting on his lap. Closing the book, Maverick stood and quickly walked toward the bed.
Julius's eyes softened. "I thought you were gone," he said, extending a hand toward Maverick.
Maverick took his hand and sat on the edge of the bed. "You're here, so am I," he replied.
Julius narrowed his eyes. "You liar. You left me at the palace, and I had to drag myself here in this state just to see you."
