Sevastian opened his eyes and glanced at the clock, noting it was just past 2. With a sigh, he realized he'd only managed an hour of sleep. Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, he buried his face in his hands, running his fingers through his hair.
Another sigh escaped him as he stood up, feeling restless. Knowing sleep was out of the question, he decided a walk might help. He pulled his shirt on and prepared to step out into the night.
He made his way out of his room and down the stairs, stepping outside into the cool breeze. As he strolled through the garden, his pace slowed when he heard voices. Sevastian squinted, his senses alert. He moved cautiously in the direction of the sound, carefully considering his next steps.
He watched as Rohan spoke with a woman before she walked away. Despite the dim moonlight, Sevastian quickly recognized her. She was one of Valeria's talented singers, known for performing for the King before Elysia had arrived.
When he was sure she had gone far enough, Sevastian approached Rohan. "What are you doing, Rohan?" he asked.
Rohan turned to Sevastian, surprise evident in his eyes at seeing him out so late. "Ah, Sevastian. What brings you here?"
Sevastian arched an eyebrow, narrowing his eyes as he quickly put the pieces together. "Are you sleeping with the singer?"
Rohan grinned, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. "Well, tonight, she fucked me. Quite literally."
"You shouldn't do that. I do not think Azrael will be happy with you sleeping with his workers," Sevastian stated, placing his hands into the pockets of his trouser.
"Oh, please. I highly doubt the King cares about who I am fucking. Besides, Georgina only comes at night, so he will not find out." Rohan rolled his eyes before crossing his arms over his chest.
"Very well, if you say so," Sevastian replied, not wanting to argue with Rohan. The man was free to do as he pleased.
A brief silence passed between them. "I received a letter from Lyra yesterday." He reached into his breast pocket, pulling out an envelope and handing it to Sevastian.
Sevastian took it, carefully opening the letter. His eyes scanned the contents, absorbing the words as he read.
Dear brother,
I hope you are well and safe? I have been extremely bored since you left Luminae. Father has been talking nonstop about you taking over the throne and mother keeps introducing me to 'potential suitors' who make me want to rip my hair out.
The guards found two men trying to dig up the bodies of the Rynis who died in the dungeon. They are currently been questioned, but no important information has been released. I will write to you again if they find out anything you need to know.
How is everything going on in Valeria? I wish for you to return soon. I miss you.
Lyra.
She did not mention anything about me, he thought disappointment settling in his bones. Clearing his throat, Sevastian folded the paper back and handed it over to Rohan who returned it to his breast pocket. "Will you return to Luminae soon?"
"For my sister, yes, but we need to deal with whoever the hell is responsible for this chaos," Rohan replied, leaning against the tree behind him.
"Hopefully, it ends soon so you can return to her," Sevastian responded, his gaze shifting to Rohan, who was staring at him with unreadable eyes. "What?"
"Are you okay?" Rohan asked.
"I am fine, Rohan. Why do you ask?" Sevastian replied.
"You look exhausted, with dark circles under your eyes," Rohan said, stepping closer to get a better look at him.
Sevastian pressed his lips into a thin line. "It's nothing serious. I suffer from nightmares that keep me awake," he explained. For a moment, he thought Rohan might be asking if he was okay because of the Princess. He felt relieved that he didn't say anything and risked making a fool of himself.
"I thought you stopped having them," Rohan said, concerned.
"I did, but the experience at the Vylint triggered them again. Now, I barely manage two hours of sleep each night. It's unfortunate, but I will be fine," Sevastian reassured him with a faint smile.
"We need to get you help, Sevastian. Would you be open to visiting a healer?" Rohan suggested, his tone urging.
"I have seen many healers, but none of them have helped. All I get is more headaches and a drawer full of medicines," Sevastian replied, letting out a deep breath.
"A healer from Luminae could help. They don't rely on potions or medicine, they use magic to stop nightmares," Rohan suggested.
"You want request for a healer all the way from Luminae? It's not worth it. I will be fine, Ro. You really do not need to worry about me," Sevastian responded.
"It is always worth it, Sevastian. I will seek the King's opinion on this matter and invite a healer, as it would not be possible for you to return to Luminae," Rohan added.
Sevastian pressed his lips into a thin line, knowing there was no point in objecting further. If Azrael heard of Rohan's suggestion, a healer would undoubtedly be summoned. "Very well, it doesn't matter what I say. You both will do as you please."
Rohan chuckled, rolling his eyes, "You know what helps me with a good night sleep Sevastian?" He leaned closer to Sevastian, who knew he was not going to like Rohan's next words.
"What Rohan?" Sevastian still asked.
"A good fucking my dear friend. Wears you out and once you hit the bed, you won't remember a thing." Rohan whispered placing an arm over Sevastian's shoulder.
"Very well, good for you." Sevastian said with a sigh, he did expect that reply.
"Maybe Sev, you should try it. Your nightmare problems might be solved." Rohan teased.
"Unlike you, I do not entertain the idea of sleeping with anyone who wears a skirt," Sevastian said, shrugging lightly as he pulled away from Rohan's grasp.
"You wound me, Sev!" Rohan gasped, clutching his chest dramatically in mock hurt.
"I am heading to my chambers," Sevastian announced, turning to walk away.
"Did you truly think me as a manwhore, Sev?" Rohan whispered, but Sevastian ignored him and kept walking.