You’d think with the way Cheeks has been getting skittish with the punishments that he’s moving away from the emperor. But that’s not it. He’s still knuckles-first anytime someone says a cross word about Himself. It’s not distaste that has him clapping slow and quiet. It’s fear. Or guilt, maybe. I’m not sure, but he’s been looking at punishments like they’re fires that could catch. He’s been looking at beatings like he’s next.
