"That must be very hard on both of you, if she was more... understanding of you both." He brushes a gentle hand through Athelstan's hair, getting himself together again. "I have no doubt your paths will cross again." Because there should always be hope.

"A Persian trader made me a gift of the most beautiful length of blue silk. The dalmatic the court tailor made it into hugs my chest perfectly and makes my chest look as full as any woman. And river pearls around the hem make it shine." He's very fond of that dress.