—I am yours, my lord.

Erik had left his chambers in search of Istvan Toth, driven by a restlessness he didn't even understand.

He couldn't bear to be without him.

Upon reaching the private baths, he found the door ajar and stopped in silence.

Through the steam, he glimpsed Istvan as a servant finished attending to him, half-naked, but he didn't dare interrupt. He remained motionless in the doorway, his gaze fixed on him.

He felt a nagging feeling in his stomach, preventing him from remaining calm. He waited patiently for a simple sign that would allow him to approach.

When Istvan finally looked up, the silence between them spoke volumes.