"Not yet," Alaric said firmly. "The princesses must be detained first. And I won't leave Salviana alone in the chambers tonight." His gaze darkened, "Ever again,"
"Very well, enjoy your marital duties," Lucius said, standing and brushing imaginary dust from his coat.
Alaric sighed, shaking his head. "You need a purpose, Lucius. A job, perhaps?"
Lucius glanced back at him, intrigued but skeptical. "A job? I'm centuries old, Alaric. I don't do… jobs."
"It would allow you to stay close to Jean. Legally," Alaric pointed out, raising a brow.
That caught Lucius's attention. The idea of being with Jean without the need to skulk in shadows was undeniably appealing. "What kind of job are we talking about?"
Alaric smirked, already forming a plan in his mind. "We'll discuss it. For now, don't do anything reckless."
Lucius snorted, his gaze flicking toward the door. "Reckless is my specialty."
Alaric smirked. "Your best behavior would earn you the job," he teased.
Lucius arched a brow, his lips curling into a smirk of his own. "Boy, I'm not being a good lad for you."
"I have power," Alaric declared, his tone thunderous, his presence commanding.
"And I have you," Lucius shrugged, feigning indifference.
"That sounds ridiculous," came a soft, lilting voice from the stairs. Salviana's delicate tone carried through the air like a melody. "I alone have my husband."
"Ah, Princess Salviana," Lucius greeted with a slight bow. "Did I wake you?"
"The night feels long," she replied with a small sigh, walking down to hug Alaric, resting her head on his chest.
"Perhaps you slept too early," Lucius offered.
Salviana nodded. "That I did. Have you seen Jean? Where is she?" she asked, her golden eyes scanning the room.
"She fainted," Lucius answered flatly.
"You scared her!" Salviana scolded, her lips pursing.
"She scares too easily," Lucius shot back, unfazed.
"You should go back to her. She's probably awake now," Salviana insisted.
Lucius smiled, bowing again with exaggerated flair. Before Salviana could blink, he disappeared, leaving behind only a gust of air.
"Let's go back in," Alaric said, motioning toward the chambers.
Salviana shook her head and tugged at his arm with a pleading look. "No," she said, her voice sweet. "I want to watch the sky."
Alaric frowned slightly. "The sky?"
"They're stars tonight," she explained as they walked outside.
"Yes, they are," he agreed, his tone softening.
"Let's lie down," she suggested suddenly, her enthusiasm catching him off guard.
"Lie down?" he echoed, his brows furrowing.
"Yes, to gaze at the stars before it rains," she clarified with a smile.
Alaric blinked, taken aback. "I've never done this before."
"Done what? Watched the sky?" Salviana asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Yes," he admitted, his voice quieter.
She frowned, sitting upright quickly. "Do you know anywhere higher? Like a hill? Somewhere closer to the stars?"
He gave her a long look before nodding. "I do. Let me get you a cloak."
He returned moments later with a large, fluffy cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Come on," he said, his hand finding her waist.
In an instant, they were somewhere new.
"Wyfhelm Barracks," he said warmly, gesturing to their surroundings.
Salviana's eyes widened as she took in the breathtaking view. The sky above seemed vast and endless, the stars glittering like diamonds.
The air was cool and dry, and the faint outlines of towering mountains framed the city below.
"We're in another city?!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying across the open space.
"Yes," Alaric whispered, leaning close to her ear. "And you're yelling."
She laughed, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "This place is beautiful," she said, spinning in a slow circle to take it all in.
"Wyfhelm—The Mountain City," Alaric explained. "It's known for its stronghold and the finest weapons and armor in the kingdom. But tonight, it's yours to enjoy."
Salviana turned back to him, smiling brightly. "Your power is incredible. This doesn't cause any problems for you?"
Alaric hesitated, his eyes darkening briefly. "Big things like this can have consequences," he admitted softly. "But you're worth it."
For a while, they lay together, gazing at the stars. The vastness of the sky seemed to close in around them, cocooning them in serenity.
After some time, Salviana noticed Alaric shivering lightly. She sat up, shaking her head. "You should've brought a cloak too," she said with a small laugh.
"Yes, but I have something better," he replied, pulling her close and wrapping his arms around her. He pressed her against him, letting out a contented sigh.
"You're such a baby," she teased, adjusting herself to rest comfortably against him.
"I'm such a vampire," he countered with a groan, his lips twitching into a faint smile.
She laughed softly. "Yes, you are."
For a long moment, they were silent, simply enjoying the quiet of the night and the beauty of the stars above.
"The sky is indeed beautiful," Alaric murmured, his voice filled with wonder.
He glanced down, realizing Salviana had drifted off in his arms.
With a soft sigh, he leaned back, holding her close, and continued to watch the heavens with his light resting peacefully against him.
As the night deepened, Alaric gently lifted Salviana into his arms and teleported them back to their chambers.
Carefully, he placed her on their bed, climbing in beside her. She instinctively pressed herself closer to him, her warmth a soothing balm to his restless thoughts.
Wrapped in each other's embrace, they drifted off into a sweet, peaceful slumber.
/
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows as the maids entered the room, their footsteps light but purposeful.
They began to prepare the princess for the day, brushing and braiding her hair into intricate patterns, selecting a gown that reflected her grace and status.
Salviana remained still, her thoughts elsewhere, her mind clouded with concern about the events of the previous night.
Meanwhile, Alaric had already left their chambers, his expression sharp and determined as he moved through the palace halls.
Today was the day he would bring justice to his wife.