"I will be out shortly." Jean Claude waited for the door to close before letting his shoulders slump with a sigh. He would of course wait to allow Khemrys a moment with her children, but he was so anxious to get started on updates and meetings with the legal team.

"You handled that beautifully," Asher murmured into his ear.

Jean Claude turned, letting the weight of everything show on his face, and Asher wrapped his arms around him. "I would burn this city to the ground for making those children feel responsible for such a thing," Jean Claude choked against his shoulder.

"And I would be beside you with torches."

Jean Claude shuddered. "I must go and speak with Khemrys; I never thought I could dread a conversation half so much as this. If we should fail..."

Asher pulled back, cupping Jean Claude's face to meet his gaze. "You managed to secure my release from far worse, and the Church held much more power in those days than these small-minded fools could even comprehend. You can do this." His lips curled into a malevolent grin. "And if their way should fail, we shall do it our own way."

Jean Claude's hands mirrored Asher's and he pressed his lips gently against the scarred skin of his cheek. "Merci du fond du coeur, mon chardonneret," he breathed.

Asher's eyes shimmered before he caught Jean Claude's lips briefly with his own, then pulled away. "Go. I will dress and join the rest of you shortly."

Jean Claude nodded and caressed Asher's scarred cheek once more before turning and slipping out of the room. He would not keep Khemrys waiting...