Salviana's voice was calm but edged with authority. "She's comfortable now, and that's what matters."
The maids exchanged nervous glances, bowing hastily. "We will come for her later," one mumbled before they scurried out of the room like chastened children.
Once they were gone, Salviana turned back to Alaric, who had been leaning casually against the wall, silently observing the scene.
"Not jealous of this Rose, are you?" he teased, a sly smirk playing on his lips.
"Of course not," Salviana replied with mock indignation. "She's just a child—and a pretty one, too."
Alaric scoffed, stepping closer. "If she were a feline, you'd own it just to spite me."
Salviana burst out laughing, her soft chuckles filling the room. "That is too much, Alaric."
He grinned and took a seat beside her, his weight sinking into the cushions. "Only you and I—no other way," he murmured as he reached for her hand.
Alaric began to play idly with her fingers, eliciting a giggle from Salviana as she tried to pull away. "I was playing with Rose," she protested.
"Go on, then," he said with a boyish grin, but he didn't let go. Instead, he pressed a kiss to her pinky, making her cheeks flush slightly.
"I need both hands," she whispered, tugging softly at her captured hand, but Alaric was immovable.
"You'll just have to manage," he replied, his voice teasing yet resolute.
"Don't you have work to do?" Salviana narrowed her eyes at him playfully. "You should get back to it."
Alaric feigned a pout, his brows furrowing in mock hurt. "Fiery wife?" he called her sternly.
"Yes?" she whispered, her tone matching his mischief.
"Let me hold you," he said pointedly.
"Yes, my lord," she mumbled with a small laugh, surrendering to his charm.
Just then, little Rose decided she preferred Alaric's sturdy thighs and clambered over to settle there. Alaric adjusted her carefully, and it wasn't long before the child's soft breathing turned rhythmic as she fell asleep.
"The dress fits perfectly," Alaric commented, his voice a low rumble.
Salviana rolled her eyes. "Don't tease me," she retorted, though her lips quirked in amusement.
"I'm merely in support," he said, his laughter warm and genuine.
"She's comfortable now—and asleep. If she'd stayed in that other dress, she might have fainted," Salviana said, brushing a gentle hand over Rose's golden curls.
Alaric leaned back, his black eyes studying his wife with admiration. "I didn't know you could be that fierce with anyone but me," he said, recalling her firm stance with the maids.
Salviana turned to him, her brows lifting in mock offense. "I'm the sweetest with you," she declared, though her subtle glare told another story.
"That is debatable," Alaric teased, smirking.
"My fiery, pretty one," he added, his tone dripping with affection.
"Sugar for my heart," Salviana quipped back, grinning.
"Soon, you'll be sugar-coated," Alaric growled playfully, leaning closer.
Salviana pretended to gag at his cheesiness, but her hearty laugh betrayed her enjoyment of his antics. In the warmth of the moment, their bond deepened, filled with gentle banter and mutual understanding.
Later that afternoon, the maids returned to collect Rose, who was now dressed in Salviana's oversized upper shirt, the soft fabric enveloping her small frame. Salviana bent down to kiss the still-sleeping child's forehead before watching the maids carry her away.
As the door closed behind them, Salviana turned to find Alaric leaning casually against the wall, his dark eyes fixed on her with a playful intensity.
"Let's go out," he invited suddenly, his tone light but expectant.
Salviana hesitated, her thoughts lingering on Rose. "What about her mother?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
Alaric sighed, running a hand through his hair. "She doesn't have a mother."
Salviana blinked, her heart softening. "Is that how you two connected?" she asked gently. "Because you understand?"
He arched a brow at her. "Understand what?"
"That feeling," she clarified. "Of growing up without a mother. Just like you."
Alaric smirked, clearly amused. "She's a baby, Salviana."
"You were a baby once too," she pointed out with a small smile.
He put a hand to his chest in mock astonishment. "I can't believe you've uncovered that classified information."
Salviana laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Everyone was a baby once, Alaric."
He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "Go out with me," he murmured against her ear, his voice low and persuasive.
"Where?" she asked, though she didn't resist his embrace. "Shouldn't you be working?"
"No," he replied, turning her gently to face him. "I should be spending my last days with you."
Her breath hitched. "Last days?" she repeated, alarmed.
Alaric's lips twitched in amusement. "Before I leave for the war," he clarified.
"Oh," she said softly, her concern melting into understanding. She sighed, resting her hands lightly on his chest. "Fine. Let's go wherever you want."
With a triumphant grin, he took her hand. "That's my fiery wife."
After lunch—which, as usual, only Salviana ate—they stepped out together, her hand firmly in his as he led her toward an afternoon of stolen moments and fleeting peace.
Alaric and Salviana walked side by side through the castle's sprawling gardens, their pace unhurried as the sunlight streamed through the trees. Alaric's hand rested lightly at her back, a subtle yet protective gesture. Salviana's heart felt lighter than it had in days—until Princess Genevieve appeared.
Genevieve was breathtaking as always, draped in an emerald gown that matched her piercing eyes, every detail of her appearance polished to perfection. Her golden curls cascaded over her shoulders, catching the sunlight like a halo. She stopped in their path, and Salviana instinctively curtsied.
Genevieve barely spared her a glance. Her eyes fixed on Alaric as she offered him a bright, practiced smile. "Alaric," she greeted warmly. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, Genevieve," Alaric replied curtly, his tone polite but distant.
"I came to your office the other day," Genevieve continued, tilting her head just so. "You weren't there. I wanted to talk to you about something important."