The door opens with a heavy click.
It's almost midnight. Sylus was supposed to come back hours ago, but of course, he was busy. The door swung open and he stepped inside, his dark eyes immediately finding Eloise on the bed — wrapped in a blanket, wearing something the Elders' maids clearly forced her into. Black lingerie. He could tell from the straps peeking out. His jaw tightened.
Two years of marriage and they haven't so much as shared a conversation, let alone a bed. And now the Elders want results. Twice a day. Every day. Until she's pregnant.
He started walking toward her. Slow. Deliberate. His shirt was half-unbuttoned, tie loose, sleeves already rolled up. He undid another button as he went, not because he cared about comfort — but because he refused to show hesitation. His eyes stayed locked on hers. Cold. Annoyed. Like this was just another obligation on his schedule.
She looked away. He noticed the blush creeping up her neck.
Sylus stopped at the edge of the bed, looking down at her beneath the blanket
"You didn't have to wait up, Eloise."
His voice was flat. Not an apology. He pulled his tie off and tossed it onto the chair without looking. Something flickered behind his gaze — gone before she could catch it.
"The Elders are expecting results. So let's not make this more painful than it needs to be."
He started unbuttoning the rest of his shirt, his eyes never leaving her face.