Can he cook? Can he help her do embroidery without her touching it? She grinned but Alaric didn't notice as he was busy taking up her hair.
"Come in," Alaric called, his voice carrying authority.
Emma stepped in, followed by an unfamiliar maid. Salviana noted how Emma avoided looking directly at Alaric, her movements brisk and efficient.
Meanwhile, the other maid seemed distracted, her eyes wandering curiously around the room until Emma subtly tapped her arm.
Startled, the maid hurried to set the tray on the table before retreating.
"Thank you, Emma. Have a lovely day!" Salviana said warmly.
Emma smiled at Salviana but didn't glance at Alaric as she exited. Salviana couldn't help but notice the difference in the maids' reactions to him.
Some still feared him, avoiding his gaze as if it might draw his ire.
Others were far too curious, stealing glances until caught. Alaric, however, gave them no attention. Not anymore. His focus was solely on her, and nothing they did could change that.
Once the maids were gone, Alaric returned his attention to Salviana.
His nose found hers, and the faintest smile curved his lips. "You've become quite the queen in their eyes," he teased, though his tone held undeniable pride.
Salviana laughed, leaning against him. "It's not me they fear," she said. "It's you."
He smirked, kissing the top of her head. "Good. Let them."
Salviana took a cup of milk punch, sipped delicately, and then leaned back into her seat.
Alaric's sharp gaze followed her every movement, narrowing when he noticed a faint trace of milk lingering on her lips.
Without a word, he leaned in, capturing her lips with his in one swift, commanding motion.
The kiss was hot, domineering, and playful—a blend of passion and mischief. Alaric had thought of kissing her every time she spoke, watching her lips move and resisting the urge. But now, he could no longer hold back.
They kissed deeply, a consuming moment that left Salviana breathless. When they finally broke apart for air, her cheeks were flushed, and her lips tingled.
"You shouldn't kiss the gist away from my mind," she teased, though she leaned into him as he peppered her face with kisses.
"Okay, tell me," he said, his voice low and indulgent, pressing a final kiss to her forehead before leaning back slightly.
Salviana pressed her lips together, her eyes glinting with mischief. "They said you're a sadistic pet killer."
The light in Alaric's eyes dimmed as he sobered, narrowing his gaze at her. "You're enjoying this," he accused, his tone laced with amusement despite his annoyance.
"Well… you did kill pets," she said, unable to suppress her laughter.
"Those weren't pets. They were foolish beasts," Alaric replied coolly, his disdain clear.
"That's exactly what I said too," Salviana giggled, her hand reaching out to rest gently on his thigh.
"And I'm not a sadist," he defended, his voice softening but his pride intact.
"No, you're not. You're my loving vampire husband," she said with sincerity, her heart full as she gazed at him.
Her words softened him, the faintest smile curling his lips. "What other daring or dangerous things did you do while I was away?" he asked, leaning closer again, his fingers idly tracing circles on her hand.
Salviana shook her head, a playful glint still in her eyes. "How about you tell me the dangerous and insane things you did while you were away?"
Alaric smirked, his amusement returning. "First off, I should apologize for leaving without due notice—"
She interrupted him with a playful pout. "Or a goodbye kiss," she added, narrowing her eyes at him.
"I could give you that now," he suggested, his tone turning low and teasing.
"Okay," she said softly, her lips curling into a shy smile.
Alaric leaned in, his hand cupping her jaw as their lips met again, this time slower, more deliberate.
The kiss deepened, his lips moving against hers with a languid passion that sent warmth coursing through her body.
His other hand trailed up her arm, fingers brushing her shoulder before slipping to her waist, pulling her closer.
Salviana's hands found their way to his chest, her fingers splayed across the firm planes as she leaned into him.
His kisses grew more intense, a mix of gentle nips and soft caresses, drawing soft gasps from her lips.
Alaric's touch wandered, his palm settling against the small of her back, holding her steady as he tilted her head to kiss her more thoroughly.
When they finally pulled apart, Salviana's breath hitched, and her heart raced in her chest. Alaric's dark eyes studied her, filled with a combination of possessiveness and tenderness.
"There," he said, his voice husky and tinged with satisfaction. "Goodbye kiss, hello kiss, and everything in between."
Salviana laughed softly, leaning her forehead against his. "You're making up for all of them, aren't you?"
"Every single one," he promised, his lips brushing hers once more.
"You haven't told me about your week," Salviana said, leaning back to dodge his next kiss.
Alaric groaned, his lips brushing the air where hers had just been. "It was filled with action," he admitted, his tone heavy with weariness. "Fooleria wouldn't dare attack again."
Salviana frowned slightly. "Are you sure?"
"I know Wyfn-garde still doubts whether Tackeros' attack will hold, but for now, Fooleria is gone." His voice was firm, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of lingering tension.
"I hate wars," she murmured, her fingers grazing his arm in a gesture of comfort.
"I hate being away from you more," Alaric said softly, his words laced with affection.
A distant rumble of thunder echoed, and soon the patter of rain grew louder against the windows. Salviana shivered as a chill seeped into the room.
"Alaric, it's cold," she said, rubbing her arms for warmth. Her gaze flickered toward him with a suggestion. "We could use a warm bath."
"It's already noon," she added, tilting her head.
"You're always right," Alaric praised, his lips quirking into a small smile.