Her lips curved, tender now. "Don't be late for your council, my prince. The kingdom still needs you."
He gave a quiet groan, straightening and tugging on his coat. "Endless work, endless duties. Sometimes I think being a feared monster would be easier than being a dutiful third prince and being a sweet loving husband."
"You're all great," Salviana teased, stepping back toward the door.
"Ah, but only one of those titles makes you mine," he murmured, watching her retreat with that hungry softness he reserved only for her.
She reached the doorway, glanced back once, her heart thrumming. "I'll tell Jean."
"And I'll suffer through politics," Alaric sighed dramatically. "Go. Before I decide to lock you here with me instead."
Her laughter lingered in the chamber long after she left, a sound he carried with him as he turned toward the heavy scrolls and stern voices awaiting him.
"Have a lovely day, My lady" Thalia wished her lady with a bow as she left.
