Not touching Dasmon’s cold, lifeless palm.
When Alaric finally ended his monologue, her father exhaled like a man who had climbed Mount Vaerhild and back.
“I see…I trust my daughter has welcomed you properly.”
Evelyne came back to the present, her lashes fluttered.
There was the faintest flicker of amusement in Alaric’s expression before he nodded. “She has been most gracious, Your Majesty.”
Evelyne did not react, keeping her expression neutral. If gracious meant allowing him to test the boundaries of decorum, then perhaps she had been.
“Good,” her father cut in. “We will have time to further discuss our… arrangement over supper. For now, I imagine you are weary from your travels. Your chambers have been prepared.”
“Your hospitality is most generous,” Alaric replied smoothly. “I look forward to seeing more of Edrathen in the coming days.”
The King only grunted in response before turning slightly. “Evelyne, you will see to it that our guest has everything he requires.”
There was a beat of silence.
Internally, Evelyne sobbed.
Did he just cleverly trick her intonursemaidingthis man?
Was this penance? A diplomatic hazing ritual? A test of endurance masquerading as duty?
Evelyne exhaled quietly through her nose before offering a small nod. “Of course, Father.”
With that, the King strode away, far too pleased with himself for Evelyne’s liking. Alaric immediately turned back to her, a hint of amusement playing in his expression.
“So, Princess,” Alaric drawled, his tone smooth as polished amber, “when your father asked that you guide me through your court, I wondered how far such guidance extends.”
Evelyne blinked once. Slowly.
“Is this your idea of diplomacy?” she asked.
He exhaled and tilted his head. “Just a touch of humor to ease the tension. Marriage negotiations can be so dreadfully stiff.”
“And yet somehow, your contribution made them worse.”
His jaw tightened slightly, though the smile stayed in place. “I was only trying to break the ice.”
“It’s Edrathen,” she remarked. “We like our ice unbroken.”
Alaric’s smile held, but only just. He paused, watching her with narrowed focus, then glanced briefly to the side. When he met her eyes again, his tone was level.
“You’re going to be a challenge.”
“And you,” she recounted without missing a beat, “are going to learn that not every woman is waiting to be undone by flattery.”
He let out a short breath through his nose. “Noted.”
She turned slightly, gaze flicking past him. “Good. Then perhaps we can keep the rest of this conversation within the bounds of propriety.”
Alaric’s smirk lingered, his gaze holding hers with an easy confidence. “But surely, even in a game of propriety, there’s room for a little enjoyment?”
“No, I don’t think so. We are meant to ensure the well-being of our people, not indulge in sentimental fantasies.”
Alaric chuckled, shaking his head. “Fair enough. I’ll admit, you've got a point. Marriage is a duty, after all. Especially ours.”
