He hadn't been expecting the tired murmurs from Elizabeth. Let alone those where he was called another name. Thinking back through his history, Cross couldn't help but feel a bit indignant at who he was called. He most certainly was not like that horrible man.

By the time she had fully woken up, the hand was gone from her face. He had liked the brush of lips against his thumb but it had been taken from his mind at her tired words. Cross straightened and resumed his straightening up, returning Elizabeth's project to her hands.

"I came to check on Alma's studies. That is all. I should get you to your room and help you to bed. I think you need a real dose of sleep, you highness." A bit cold. Defensive. For some reason, he couldn't bring himself back to the moment before where he had been gentle and affectionate in words and actions.