"But I have other dresses I wanted to see," she insisted, her lips forming a small pout.
Alaric turned, arching a brow as he teased, "More dresses?"
"Not dresses," she clarified, rolling her eyes at his tone. "Nightdresses."
The candles in the room flickered as if echoing his amusement, and a slow grin spread across his face.
"Oh, my sweet fiery," he drawled, his voice low and teasing as he began moving around the room, extinguishing the candles one by one.
Salviana trailed after him unconsciously, her fingers brushing against the soft fabric of her gown as she defended herself. "It came from an innocent place. I just want to be comfortable when I sleep!"
Alaric paused for a moment, glancing at her over his shoulder with a knowing smirk. "Innocent, you say? Salviana, you must know how suggestive that sounded."
She blinked, realizing belatedly how her words could have been misinterpreted. Her cheeks flushed. "That wasn't my intention!"
He chuckled softly, extinguishing the last candle. "And yet, my wife, it's impossible for me to see you and think of anything but how utterly ravishing you are." He stepped closer, his green eyes gleaming with affection and a hint of mischief. "And I will find you just as attractive in whatever nightdress you choose. It's a win for both of us, don't you think?"
Before she could respond, he disappeared with a burst of speed, leaving her standing alone, her thoughts spinning.
Moments later, Alaric was lounging in their bed, his back against the headboard and his long legs spread in a relaxed, confident manner.
He waved a hand at her with a smirk. "Come here," he invited, his voice low and dark, his gaze smoldering.
Salviana smiled despite herself and climbed into bed, settling between his legs as his strong arms wrapped around her.
Her back rested against his broad chest, and she felt the steady rhythm of his heartbeat behind her.
"We're staying in bed until tomorrow," Alaric murmured from behind her, his chin brushing her shoulder. "Get comfortable."
Salviana adjusted slightly, leaning further into his warmth. "I have so much to ask you," she confessed, her voice soft. "And so much to tell."
"And we have the whole day for it," he replied, his tone laced with contentment.
"Are you sure you're not needed for anything today?" she asked, tilting her head to glance at him.
He chuckled. "Like what, Salviana? Or are you just looking for an excuse to send me away?"
"Like… armor repairs. Or ensuring they won't come back for revenge—" She faltered, her thoughts suddenly darkening. "Did you kill them all? What happened out there?" Her voice was tinged with worry.
Alaric smirked and leaned forward, his lips brushing against her ear. "Did you even miss me?" he teased, nibbling lightly.
She nudged him away with a small laugh, her frown playful. "You left me here with your handful of a family, Alaric. Of course I missed you. I missed the strong wall of comfort that is you."
His brow arched. "That sounds suspiciously like you're just using me."
Salviana turned slightly, her eyes meeting his with a playful glint. "And if I am?"
His grin widened, and he pressed a kiss to her nose. "Then I like it. Use me all you want, my fiery wife. I'm yours."
Her cheeks reddened at his words, and she looked away, her heart fluttering. "You're much sweeter after this war," she murmured, her voice laced with fondness.
"Perhaps I'm just happy to have you in my arms," he replied.
Salviana's smile softened. "Well then, let me tell you everything I've been up to," she began cheerfully. "I finally attended a meeting with the ladies of the castle."
Alaric grunted, his expression unimpressed. "And I'm happy you survived it."
She laughed. "They were all disappointed it took me so long to attend."
"It's our honeymoon phase, Salviana. You shouldn't be wasting time with them. You should be with me," he said, his tone carrying a possessive edge.
"I wish they agreed with you," she teased. "But thank you for bringing Miss Goliath to me. She's lovely and efficient."
"I'm glad you have the support you need here," he said, his tone softening.
"How did you know of her?" she asked curiously.
He hesitated briefly, his expression flickering with something unreadable. "From a friend," he said curtly.
Salviana noticed his reluctance and decided not to press further. There were other things she wanted to talk about anyway.
So she simply rested in his arms, feeling his warmth and the steady beat of his heart, cherishing the rare and peaceful moment they shared.
She moved out and sat across him on the bed to enjoy conversing.
"I handed out most of the hand fans we bought the other day," Salviana began, eager to recount the day's happenings.
She leaned forward slightly, her excitement drawing Alaric's full attention.
He nodded, the hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Well done, my wife."
Her face brightened at his praise. "They all seemed to like them—though some declined as politely as they could."
The memory of Genevieve's disdain crept into her thoughts, making her sigh.
The sound was soft but enough to shift Alaric's mood. His keen eyes caught the faint flicker of discomfort on her face.
"What happened?" he asked, his tone sharpening.
"What's really going on between you and Princess Genevieve?" Salviana finally voiced her concern, her tone tired rather than accusatory.
Alaric exhaled, leaning back against the headboard. "She has a certain… attachment to me. When we were younger, I was kinder to her than her brothers ever were."
His voice took on a distant note, and Salviana watched as he momentarily retreated into his memories.
"Neither Benjamin nor Spencer saw her as a playmate," he continued. "But I… I pitied her. She was persistent, always seeking company, even though I was a loner. I tried to be kind when I could."
"Until?" Salviana pressed, sensing the weight of an unfinished story.