I keep my hold on Takeru's arm steady, despite the sting this causes my wound. The pain is nothing compared to the pain I felt while he was under Messiah's thrall, nothing compares to how much my chest aches when he talks about leaving.

"You're not a tool. You're my best friend. My Lord. My..." My voice is low, loud enough for Takeru to hear, and maybe loud enough for Etienne to hear too. I know he already has an idea of the bond between me and Takeru, I doubt he'll be put off by my words. "My lover."

There is so much more to say between us, but not here, not out in the open.

I look over at Etienne, offering him an apologetic smile. "Maybe we should talk someplace more private?"