He didn't move to close the window but instead turned his attention back to Jean, his eyes filled with quiet amusement. "You shudder for other reasons, then," he murmured, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
Jean's breath caught, and she busied herself with her spoon, her face turning an even deeper shade of red.
Lucius leaned back slightly, his smile softening. "Don't worry, Pumpkin. I won't make it worse for you."
The maids exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of admiration and envy. It was so clear Lucius cared deeply for Jean. They wondered who he was.
As though Salviana noticed, she relieved of their duty at the moment, themaids bowed abscleft the quarters.
By the time Jean's belly was full, her earlier reluctance had faded. Lucius had swept away not only her doubts but also the hearts of everyone in the room.
As she pushed the bowl away with a small sigh, she glanced at him from beneath her lashes, her gratitude unspoken but evident in her eyes.
Lucius, ever observant, reached out to brush a thumb against her cheek. "Good girl," he said softly. "You've done well."
Jean swallowed hard, her heart thudding in her chest. She wasn't sure what had changed between them, but in that moment, she felt the weight of his affection, heavy and unrelenting.
For the first time, she wondered if she had underestimated just how deeply Lucius's devotion ran.
Salviana sighed dramatically, breaking the quiet. "You're making me miss my husband," she said, casting a playful glance at Lucius. "I'm beginning to think you're setting an unfair standard for all men, Lucius."
Jean let out a surprised laugh, nearly choking on her soup. "Salviana, please!"
Lucius paused, clearly caught off guard, and turned to them with a rare hint of shyness. "I'm just ensuring she regains her strength," he muttered, his voice quieter than usual.
He looked down at suddenly spoon, avoiding Salviana's mischievous gaze.
Salviana chuckled, leaning closer to Jean. "See that? He's shy. A vampire lord with centuries of confidence, reduced to this because of his taste buds"
Jean's cheeks turned pink as she rolled her eyes. "Don't tease him, Salviana. He's been kind."
"And sweet," Salviana added, smirking. "But it's hard not to tease when he's setting the bar so high."
Lucius cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable, though his lips twitched with a faint smile. "Perhaps you should focus on your own husband, Princess," he said, his tone holding a light edge of sarcasm.
Jean giggled, and Salviana threw her hands up in mock defeat. "Fair enough, Lucius. I'll leave you two alone." She stood, smoothing the folds of her gown. "Jean, I'll come see you later, alright?"
Jean nodded, her smile warm. "Thank you, Salviana. For everything."
"Of course," Salviana replied, brushing a hand over Jean's shoulder.
With that, she left the quarters, her skirts swishing softly as she walked down the corridor.
The air was cooler here, the faint scent of candles and old wood filling her senses. She hummed quietly, her thoughts drifting to her husband and how much she missed him.
But her reverie was interrupted by the sharp sound of boots echoing against the stone floor. Salviana's gaze snapped up to see Prince Jaron approaching from the opposite direction.
"Ah, Princess Salviana," Jaron drawled, his lips curling into a sneer. "Wandering the halls alone, are we? Bold for someone of your… station."
Salviana stiffened, her eyes narrowing. "Good day to you too, Prince Jaron," she replied coolly, her voice dripping with politeness that barely masked her irritation.
Jaron stepped closer, his tall frame casting a shadow over her. "Tell me, do you often find yourself mingling with the… lower ranks? I hear you've been quite busy with the chubby waiting girl."
Salviana's jaw tightened, but she held her ground. "Jean is my friend," she said firmly. "And how I am with her is none of your concern."
Jaron laughed, the sound cold and mocking. "Friendship with peasants. How quaint. Tell me, Princess, do you think such alliances make you stronger? Or are you simply naive enough to believe they'll save you when the time comes?"
Salviana's eyes flashed with anger. "Your words are as cruel as they are empty, Jaron. Perhaps you should spend less time in the shadows and more time learning the meaning of respect."
Jaron's smirk faltered, but he quickly masked it with a scornful expression. "Careful, Princess. Your sharp tongue might land you in trouble one day."
Salviana tilted her head, her gaze unyielding. "I'll take my chances."
With that, she stepped around him, her steps measured and deliberate as she made her way back to her chambers.
Her heart pounded with frustration, but she refused to let Jaron's venomous words linger.
She had more important things to focus on—like her husband and her friends who needed her strength, not her anger.
She missed Alaric so much more now but she couldn't go to his office. She didn't want to interrupt his work.
~~~{─────────
~~~~~~~~~~~~~}~~~
The amber hues of the early evening filtered through the chambers as Alaric made his way inside, a bouquet of delicate blooms clutched in his hand.
His smile was soft but eager, his heart light as he anticipated seeing Salviana.
The floral scent mingled with the faint aroma of candles burning throughout the home, adding a serene warmth to the space.
One of the maids greeted him at the entrance. "Your Grace," she curtsied, "the Princess is in her room."
Alaric nodded, murmuring a quiet thanks before heading up the stairs, his boots lightly tapping against the polished wood.
As he reached the doorway to their bedroom, he paused, his gaze falling on Salviana.
She stood before the mirror, the light of the setting sun catching on her skin as she carefully removed her jewelry.
Her expression was calm, her movements slow and thoughtful.
Alaric stepped inside, moving quietly until he was just behind her. Salviana inhaled sharply, catching his presence in the reflection before her lips curled into a knowing smile.
"Hello, wife," he greeted warmly, his voice low and affectionate.