The air conditioning in the suite hummed low, just enough to keep the heat from pressing in too heavily through the tall windows. Outside, the summer light was sharp and golden, making the palace gardens look almost too pristine, like a photo someone had edited to sell the illusion of control.
Chris stood barefoot on the warm stone floor, a navy shirt draped over one shoulder, arms crossed as he stared at the row of clothes lined up in front of him like they might start judging him if he took too long.
Rowan sat silently behind him on the edge of the side bench, dressed in standard palace security staff black. He didn't move. He didn't breathe too loudly. He didn't say a word.
"Are you malfunctioning?" Chris asked, voice dry, as he held up one of the shirts like it had personally offended him.
Rowan didn't answer right away. Just blinked, slowly. "I think I'm in shock."
Chris gave him a sideways glance.
