It really is unfair just how hearing Essek say the words clever boy in that Kryn purr gets to him, especially when he has such a delicate but firm hold on his chin. The praise sends heat prickling through him and Percy resists the urge to chase another kiss.

He watches Essek drift to the door, then shakes his head and heads into the large bathroom attached to the bedroom. Not all of Whitestone's castle has indoor plumbing - not yet - but the suites belonging to the noble spouses do. Percy gets the water running and leaves the tub to do a bit more grooming. At the very least, he brushes his teeth and rinses his mouth again, clearing any odd lingering tastes there. Whoever prepares their meal will likely send up tea and Percy is looking forward to the mint tea that will inevitably accompany Essek's preference. He finds it particularly soothing after the full moon and so it has become part of his recovery routine.

Percival looks at himself in the mirror and runs a considering hand over his stubble. He should probably wait until after the bath to shave, if he does at all.

Leaving the mirror, he starts undressing on his way back to the tub to check the water level and to add an oil he likes.