She didn't know why he was gazing at her like that.
She wasn't blessed with large boobs but it was ample enough to draw attention still and she doesn't fancy drawing his own right now.
The man's smile deepened, his gaze raking over her in a way that felt invasive. "Lady Salviana, isn't it?" His voice was smooth, like silk stretched too thin. "I heard about the prince's new bride, but I hardly believed he'd leave a beauty like you alone in the library halls."
Alone in library halls? What did he mean? Was the place unsafe?
But no one said anything when she announced coming here.
"Your grace?" She muttered with a frown, wondering if he was teasing and would soon stop and leave her actually alone as she wanted.
But he simply smirked stroking his chin while licking his lips, Salviana blinked, unsettled. She took a step back, but he stepped forward just as quickly, closing the gap.
"Does he even know how to make you feel… warm?" he continued, his voice dropping to a whisper as he leaned in closer. "He's a cold bastard with good jabs, he can't satisfy your wants or needs, I'm certain,"
'No, he wasn't!' her mind yelled but her body was frozen.
What was happening?
Was this allowed in the castle?
No man has ever come this close or spout such atrocities to her before and she wasn't even married then. She was married and a wife now and she didn't even want him or whatever he was offering!
"I can see the curiosity in your eyes, the hunger for something more than just… duty." The Velthorne continued with his cocky confidence.
Salviana's cheeks flushed, and she stiffened, wishing she could defend Alaric, yet unable to speak. She was really alone here and she didn't like the proximity, she was scared.
This man doesn't know anything, she told herself, but her words remained lodged in her throat. All she could do was shake her head slightly, hoping it would deter him. She wanted to be left alone.
"You're a pretty girl, I can take care of you," he said suddenly and this made Salviana's face scrunch, her eyes darted around his suddenly unpleasant posture.
Who did he think he is?
"Don't look at me with such disgust," he snapped lightly.
"I can't help but show how I feel," She countered almost immediately shocking them both.
"You know nothing," He tsked like a disappointed elder sibling.
"I don't need your teachings," she retorted quickly, her green eyes livid.
His jaw ticked possibly shocked from her retort but he only chuckled, tilting his head as he took her silence as an invitation. "What a pity. You deserve so much more." His green eyes gleamed with a sly confidence, his smirk widening as he leaned even closer, practically caging her in.
"Allow me to introduce myself," he purred, his gaze unwavering. "Enid Velthorne." His tone was laced with arrogance, as if expecting her to be impressed.
But Salviana was married to whom she believed was the best of them despite not being human and she didn't feel enthusiastic about meeting the rest of the Velthorne men now because they all seem to have their issues that she didn't want to endure.
Then recognition struck her like a chill—she'd heard about him from Sarah and he wasn't supposed to be like this. How did Sarah skip the part about him being a fool? A cocky stick?
He was the king's concubine son, though she didn't know if he was from the first or second concubine. She felt her heart race, anger simmering beneath her fear.
He seemed to read the mix of emotions on her face and only leaned closer, a trace of mint from the gum he chewed drifting between them. "The prince might be your husband, my lady, but I could be the one to make you feel… alive." he invited.
Salviana clenched her fists, pressing herself back as he edged nearer, her heart pounding as her mind raced.
She wanted to tell him she didn't need anyone else to make her feel alive—that Alaric's touch, his intensity, his very presence made her feel all of it and more, and that exactly was what she said
But Enid's ears were made of steel and stone because he acted as though he didn't hear her at all.
He stretched out his hand, "Come with me," he invited stubbornly.
"No," she replied firmlyy, when his jaw clenched and he ran his other hand over his hair, Salviana added, agitated, "You are a fool and that's why you think you're better than Alaric,"
His small eyes widened, "You call him by his name," he stated in surprise.
"He is my husband," she deadpanned. It was literally her rights to call him by his name no matter what the ban is. Whoever prohibited the calling of his name was jealous and she also noted to ask Alaric why his name was forbidden to be spoken.
"And you think him better than me?" Enid asked, drawing back her attention.
She smirked, "In every way possible, he doesn't speak much but he'd never spout half the nonsense you just spoke within moments in a decade of full seasons,"
Enid chuckled darkly, "Who do you think you are?"
She shuddered butfound herself replied already, "Someone you can't have,"
"You insolent bitch!" he howled.
He advanced quickly into her private space with his face red and furious, she didn't know what was coming but she if she could change anything, she'd change how long it took for her to start replying him. She would put him in his place early even if he'd end up hurting her.
But just then, a calm, elegant voice cut through the tension. "Enid, I believe you've overstayed your welcome."
Enid turned, his cocky smirk faltering as he saw a noblewoman standing in the doorway. Her dress was understated but refined, her gaze steady and almost kind as she regarded them.
Enid's smirk returned, though subdued, as he glanced back at Salviana. "I'll leave you… for now," he said, his tone dripping with promise. Then, with a final arrogant glance, he sauntered away, leaving Salviana breathless, her mind reeling from the unsettling encounter.
What is wrong with the Velthornes?