Destroy My Life In You
Chapter 94: Jealousy is a Sign of Caring

Chapter 94: Jealousy is a Sign of Caring

Astrid felt Alaric’s eyes on her, his gaze unwavering. His presence was always powerful, always commanding, yet now, it felt... gentle. He was waiting fir her reply.

"Astrid," he called softly, his eyes urging her to spill it out.

She flinched slightly but forced a smile, tilting her head up to meet his gaze. "I’m fine," she said quickly, with a smile didn’t reach her eyes.

Alaric frowned, studying her face carefully. There was something hidden in her expression. Something that was bothering her, and this bothered him too. He didn’t like it.

Without warning, he reached out and took her hand, pulling her closer to him.

Astrid gasped in surprise. "Your Majesty..." Before she could process what was happening, the world around her blurred, and only felt herself in his arms.

A rush of wind hit her face, whipping through her hair. She barely had time to react before she instinctively clung onto him, her arms tightening around his neck.

When they came to a halt, Astrid cautiously opened her eyes.

The sight before her stole her breath.

They were standing on a tall building, where the entire in Vetheris was outlined vividly. Astrid’s stomach churned at the height. She immediately clung tighter to Alaric’s clothes, her fingers gripping his fabric as though letting go would send her plummeting.

Alaric chuckled, his voice warm with amusement. "Don’t worry, I’m here," he assured her.

He slowly lowered her back onto her feet, but Astrid refused to let go. Her hands remained fisted in his clothes, her body unwilling to move away from him, as her eyes remained tightly shut.

Alaric gazed down at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. For all the strength she held as Primal Alpha, she would not hurt by just a fall from his palace. He wondered how she would react if she knew she was standing on the Vampire King’s palace, his palace. Nevertheless, even if she could not take care of herself, he would always be there to protect her.

Gently, he reached out and cupped her cheeks, his thumbs brushing lightly against her skin. "Astrid," he murmured. "Look at me."

His voice carried a quiet requested, one that resonated through her like a melody she couldn’t ignore. Slowly, she opened her eyes, lifting her gaze to meet his.

The space between them had disappeared. Her arms were still around his neck, his hands resting at her waist, their bodies close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from him.

Astrid shivered slightly beneath his touch, but she didn’t step back.

Their gazes remained locked, and she felt something shift within her. The earlier discomfort that had weighed on her chest,the lingering frustration from before, the fear, seemed to have melted away. She didn’t know when it happened, but standing here, under his gaze, she felt... at ease.

Alaric, however, was not one to let things go unnoticed. His eyes studied her carefully before he finally spoke, his voice dipping into that smooth, knowing tone. "Did something make you sad earlie?"

Astrid hesitated. She didn’t know how to answer that.

Would it sound ridiculous if she admitted that she had been bothered by those women admiring him? That she had felt something heavy and uncomfortable in her chest when they had looked at him as if they wanted to eat him alive? She wasn’t sure how to explain it, so she chose to keep silent.

Alaric watched her for a moment, then let out a low chuckle of realization, after rephrasing everything that had happened on the way.

Astrid stiffened. "What?" she asked warily.

Alaric smirked. "You were jealous, right?"

Astrid’s eyes widened slightly as her mind scrambled to process his words. Jealous? Was she? She tried to deny it, but as she replayed the events in her head too, she realized he was right. She had been jealous.

A deep flush crawled up her neck. No. She couldn’t admit that. What would he think of her? That she was possessive? That she was petty? Embarrassed, she unconsciously tightened her grip on his fabric.

Alaric’s smirk softened into something more affectionate. He reached out, his thumb tracing a slow, deliberate line along her cheek. His touch was warm and reassuring. "It’s fine, " murmured.

Astrid blinked up at him, uncertain what he meant.

He lowered hismelf closer to her ear, his voice just enough to make her breath hitch. "It’s fine if you’re jealous."

Astrid froze and her lips parted, but no words came out. Instead, she searched his face, trying to see if he was only saying this to ease her embarrassment.

But the sincerity in his eyes told her otherwise. Then, in a barely audible voice, she whispered, "Isn’t jealousy a... negative feeling? Why would you say that?"

Alaric chuckled, shaking his head. "It doesn’t matter," he said simply. "At least it shows you do care about me."

Astrid’s face burned red. Her mind went blank, unable to form a proper response. And before she could stop herself, she buried her face against his chest, hiding the deep color that spread across her cheeks.

Alaric laughed softly at her reaction and with a quiet hum, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into an embrace.

Astrid remained still, her heart pounding against his chest.

For the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to be held.

And in that moment, wrapped in his arms, she realized something. She didn’t just care about Alaric, there was more to it even if it was too soon.

After a moment of silence, they finally let go, and Astrid broke the silence.

"How much did you pay the lady for her to allow me off? She’s quite strict."

Alaric pondered for a while then simply answered, "Not that much."

Astrid did not ask anymore and just nodded.

If only she knew, the not that much was enough to buy a piece of land or house, but Alaric chose not to specify the amount. He didn’t want her to feel guilty, which he probably guessed she would. Moreover, those five hundred hold coins he had given off to the lady were just a little amount of his wealth. It was nothing much.

He smiled caressing her hair, then placed a gentle peck on her forehead.