A hesitant smile tugged at my lips. Hadrian appeared proud, but beneath his confident façade, I sensed an undercurrent of anger. I couldn't quite understand why he would feel that way. Gently, I stroked his cheek, as if I could smooth away the darkness that clouded his expression.

"Should I start calling you 'Your Majesty' now?" I teased with a faint laugh.

"Perhaps on very formal occasions," he replied with a cocky grin. "You may even bow down to me if you'd like."

I nudged his shoulder, ...