Arik did not abandon the council entirely like Liam feared. He just brought the council with him.
Liam watched him cross the Golden Court with Cassian and two ministers following several steps behind, Arik's ceremonial coat moving heavily around his legs while the new sovereign mark remained hidden beneath one gold cuff.
People shifted aside as he approached.
Liam found the image oddly strange, even if he had seen it happen before while they were in Wrohan.
Arik stopped beside him and placed one hand against the middle of Liam's back. The touch was light, but the bond settled almost immediately beneath it.
"You wanted to leave."
Liam glanced toward the private doors.
Arik followed his gaze before looking back toward the court.
"I cannot."
Liam had already realized that.
Arik had just taken the oath before the entire empire. Walking out immediately afterward with his mate tucked beneath one arm would probably create several constitutional discussions before dinner.
