Soul of a Dragon [Ziam - Ztop, Lbottom]

CHAPTER 4: THE ATONEMENT

Morning light poured into the grand bedroom Liam now called his own, painting the room in soft gold. He stirred beneath the silk sheets, the events of the previous night weighing heavily on his mind. The sensation of Zayn's hands, the whispered command to "bear with me," and the fabricated intimacy haunted him, making it difficult to find peace even in his dreams.

When the door creaked open, Liam stiffened. He turned his head just enough to see Zayn standing there, holding a tray laden with an elegant breakfast—fresh fruits, warm pastries, and a steaming cup of spiced tea. Zayn's expression was uncharacteristically soft, his usual commanding air tempered with what could only be described as uncertainty.

(The breakfast tray)

"I thought you might want to eat here," Zayn said, his voice low as he approached the bed. He placed the tray on the bedside table and stepped back, as though careful not to intrude further.

Liam sat up slowly, the silk sheets pooling around his waist. The warmth of Drathalius was oppressive even in the early hours, and it was only now that he realized, with a sharp intake of breath, that he had shed his gown in the heat of the night. His chest was bare, his skin still damp with the remnants of restless sleep, and the faint sheen caught the light, emphasizing the fine lines of his frame.

Their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, Zayn's gaze dipped, tracing the curve of Liam's spine, the smooth expanse of his chest. His lips pressed together in what might have been admiration or restraint, but his expression quickly softened, shifting into something more composed.

Liam flushed, suddenly acutely aware of how exposed he was. He reached for the sheet and pulled it higher over his chest. "You could have knocked."

Zayn raised an eyebrow, though a ghost of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "This is my kingdom. Knocking isn't customary for kings. But I'll keep it in mind for next time."

The teasing note in his voice made Liam's cheeks flush deeper. He turned his face away, his fingers tightening on the sheet. "A little privacy wouldn't hurt."

Zayn stepped back, his hands clasped behind his back in a rare gesture of respect. "Of course. I'll give you a moment."

He turned to leave but paused at the doorway. "For what it's worth, Liam, you've nothing to be embarrassed about." His voice was low, warm, and carried a hint of something Liam couldn't quite place—something that made his pulse quicken despite himself.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Liam let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He stared at the tray of food, trying to push aside the heat crawling up his neck.

What is it about him? Liam wondered, pressing a hand to his chest to steady the rapid beating of his heart.

***