Everest grinned. “I expect nothing less from you, Emperor.”

Constance cleared her throat. “I figured you’d like to not wear white⁠—”

“Ever again. That is correct.” Everest smiled. “Thank you, Constance. I appreciate it. I admit I had not yet considered my wardrobe from here on out.”

She blushed and nodded, then hurried back out the door.

Tenn glanced down at Everest, then at the clothes. He flicked his wrist to the right and then pointed in that direction. “There’s a shower in there. Just turned the water on for you. Give it a second to get warm.”

“Do I smell that bad?” Everest asked with a small smirk.

“It says a lot when I suggest a shower.” Tenn winked and headed for the door only to pause. “Oh, Franks?”

“Yeah?”

“What does Unseelie blood taste like?”

My face ignited like a bonfire. I wiped my mouth and found purple blood on my fingers. With a laugh, I shrugged. “Honey.”

Tenn scowled. “Unsettling. Rest up, old man.”

Then he was gone.

Everest let out a slow, deep sigh and his body swayed. I must’ve made a face because he shook his head. “I am fine, Francelina. I just need to rest.”

“What has weakened you so much?”

“I’ve never used that much magic at once.”

I ran my hands through his hair again. “Bet it felt good.”

He chuckled and nodded, then crashed into my chest, letting me wrap my arms around his shoulders. For a moment, we stayed like that with me holding him. But there was now steam slipping beneath the crack to the bathroom door which meant the shower was warmed up and ready. A quick glance down at Everest’s hair and body and I knew Tenn was right. He was filthy.

“C’mon, the water should be warm by now.”

He groaned. “I lack the strength and willpower⁠—”

“Take a shower, Everest. You’ll feel better.” I took his chin between my fingers and forced his eyes up to mine. “Wash away all of that darkness so you can join the light forever.”

He cringed.

“C’mon.” I slid my hands down his arms to take his hands in mine. “How about you stand there, and I will wash you.”

His nostrils flared. Despite his exhaustion there was a hint of hunger there.

I pulled him to his feet then slowly walked backwards toward the bathroom, dragging him along with me. His gaze was locked on my mouth. I made a mental note of that as we stepped into the bathroom and steam billowed around us. I dropped his hands and turned to slide the glass door aside - and spotted the built-in bench against the back wall. Desire rushed through my veins but I needed to push that aside. This wasn’t about that. This was about him.