"Good morning, fiery Princess," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep, yet carrying that familiar, teasing edge.
Salviana froze, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson as she tried to pull her hand back. But before she could, Alaric's hand shot out, capturing her wrist with a firm yet gentle grip.
"And where do you think you're going?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips now.
"I—I didn't realize you were awake," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Oh, You woke me up the best way I want to be awoken," he admitted, his smirk widening as his thumb brushed over the back of her hand. "I was just curious how far you planned to go."
She looked away, mortified, but he tugged her closer, pulling her flush against him.
"You seemed… invested," he teased, his tone dropping to a low rumble that sent a thrill down her spine.
"I—" Salviana couldn't find the words, her embarrassment rendering her speechless.
