Now, he liked to think he could be refined when he wanted to, provided it was before midnight. Anything after that time was out of his hands. Unfortunately for one specific prinxe, it was after that specific time when they committed their crime of theft.

He hadn't heard the prinxe come in, but then again, he had been asleep. He did remember becoming aware when the mattress dipped beside him, and opening his eyes when the blanket above him was gently yanked away.

"Asmarath," he greeted tiredly, turning his head to face the half lidded eyes of the prinxe. Asmarath had somehow rolled themself up in the blanket, wings and all, and stared out of it back at the marquis. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I wanted to see you," Asmarath spoke, bluntly, and Emeric stared, blinking his exhausted eyes slowly.

He and Asmarath were friends, despite Eb's less than friendly approach towards those of their kind. The demon prinxe popping in for a visit wasn't uncommon, but they had never shown up during the night before. Unfortunately for Asmarath, Emeric was tired and very much mortal. So, instead of responding the way he usually might, he made a grab for the blanket, tugging fruitlessly at it.

"Asmarath, give the blanket back," he whined, weakly pulling at it while Asmarath watched, growing amusement on their face.

"Do you want to share?" Asmarath asked after a moment, and Emeric, too exhausted to even pretend to be scandalized, nodded his head. The prinxe smiled, shifting to free the blanket a little. As soon as they opened their arms, Emeric scooted closer, nestling underneath the warmth of the blanket and up close to the warmth of the prinxe.

Asmarath was warm, and Emeric sighed contentedly, snuggling up closer to the prinxe. Their arms wrapped around him, a hand burying itself in his thick, curled hair. He couldn't help but melt entirely into their embrace, letting them hold him close to them. Asmarath rumbled out a soft purr, and Emeric, still half asleep, let his eyes fall shut.

He woke slowly, to a knock at the door of his room. Keeping his eyes closed, he groaned, and snuggled closer to the one holding him close.

"Lord Emeric, are you awake yet?" A voice called from behind the door. "You have a meeting with the dukes in an hour, are you up?"

At that, Emeric sat up, startling Asmarath awake. He cursed softly to himself, and Asmarath blinked up at him, rubbing the sleep from their eyes. They opened their mouth, but before they could say anything to him, the door opened.

"Lord Emeric, you-" The attendant froze, eyes wide and staring at the demon prinxe in his lord's bed. Emeric sighed, composing himself enough to speak.

"Pierre, I will be handling myself today. Not a word of… this to anyone. Understood?"

Pierre nodded, squeaking out a soft apology. Still staring at Asmarath, he stepped out of the room and closed the door. When the valet was gone, Asmarath snorted, sitting up next to Emeric.

"Not a word? To anyone?" They teased, and Emeric threw a pillow into their face.

"Of course. You know how against Cirxia this country is. I would be highly discredited, perhaps even executed for associating with you," he sniffed, sliding out of bed and making his way across the room. Or rather, attempting to. Halfway across, cool brown arms gently wrapped themselves around his waist and held him in place.

"I know, I know," Asmarath murmured into his ear, and he shivered. "I just miss seeing you, is all."

"Enough to risk my death?" He asked, and despite himself, a smile came to his face. The prinxe pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"They wouldn't kill you. You're exaggerating."

"I am," he sighed, shaking his head just slightly. When Asmarath held him longer, he spoke again, looking over his shoulder at them. "Do you want to keep that blanket?"

The prinxe paused, looking at him and waiting for an explanation. At their confusion, he elaborated.

"Since you said you miss me, I thought… I don't know, perhaps it would help you when you're away from me. If you kept something of mine."

Asmarath's eyes widened, before they crinkled into a loving smile. The prinxe leaned forward, pressing a kiss to the Lord Marquis' forehead.