"Ladies," Alaric began, folding his arms across his chest in mock severity, "as honored as I am by your lovely invasion, I believe this room was assigned to my wife and me."
"Oh no," Emma groaned dramatically, tossing a cushion that had been on her lap onto the couch. "He's pulling rank!"
They were all still acting like high ladies.
"We should've locked the door," muttered Sarah with a laugh.
He raised an eyebrow. "Next time, I will."
The girls laughed but began rising one by one, stretching and grumbling like mischievous cats being ushered out of a warm nest.
They kissed Salviana's cheek surprising her, Jean ruffled her hair, and shot Alaric knowing smirks as they passed him.
"Take good care of her, Prince Brooding," one of them whispered while immediately giggling.
"I always do," he replied smoothly, eyes locked on his wife.
When the last girl slipped out and the door closed, a hush fell over the room. The fire crackled. Outside, the wind sang low against the glass.
