Married To Darkness
Chapter 113: Happy With Him

Chapter 113: Happy With Him

Salviana’s hair fell over her face, but before she could brush it aside, Alaric’s fingers were there, tucking the loose strands behind her ear.

His fingertips were cool against her flushed skin, and she murmured a soft, "Thank you."

Alaric simply smiled, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer before returning to his plate, continuing to eat with that same mesmerizing grace.

Her attention drifted to the way his clothes fit him. He was dressed impeccably, as always, in a crisp white shirt that hugged his shoulders and broad chest, the collar open enough to hint at his collarbones and a glimpse of the bare skin she had glimpsed after he’d bathed.

Earlier, he had worn only a robe, and the memory of his bare chest—sculpted and strong, with smooth, pale skin that seemed to draw her in—came rushing back to her.

She’d never paid attention to anyone’s clothing before, but Alaric had a way of making even the simplest shirt look refined and... dare she think it, undeniably attractive.

Today, she noticed, he’d foregone his usual gloves, leaving his hands bare, which somehow made him feel even closer, more accessible.

She’d often wondered about his reluctance to touch others, but with her, he rarely hesitated. She felt a small thrill run through her at the thought that he trusted her with this closeness.

Alaric, seeming to sense her gaze, looked up, catching her eye with an amused glint. "You’re rather quiet today, my lady," he teased, leaning back and folding his hands on the table.

Salviana tried to find her words, feeling a bit bashful. "I was... just noticing how you eat," she admitted, hoping she didn’t sound foolish.

He raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Noticing how I eat? What’s so interesting about that?"

She managed a shy smile, her cheeks still warm. "It’s just... you do it so gracefully. Like you’re savoring every bite, even though... well, you can’t taste it."

Alaric’s smile softened, and he looked down thoughtfully. "I suppose it’s more about the act itself than the taste," he said.

"Food may no longer hold flavor, but it’s still... an experience." He held her gaze, the intensity in his eyes making her heart skip a beat. "And with you here, it’s even more enjoyable."

Salviana’s blush deepened, and she looked down at her own plate, feeling her stomach flutter. She couldn’t believe how at ease he made her feel, even when she was blushing furiously.

Her gaze drifted back to him, lingering on his hands as they moved across the table with that steady grace. His fingers were long, strong, capable—she imagined them tracing over her skin, and her blush returned full force.

Alaric reached across the table, his cool hand brushing against hers. "You seem lost in thought, Salviana. Something on your mind?"

She looked up, meeting his amused eyes, and took a deep breath. "Just... noticing things about you. Little details." She gave him a soft smile, squeezing his hand back. "I’m just... happy you’re here. With me."

Alaric’s eyes softened, and he leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to her hand. "And I’m happy to be here. With you." His voice was low, laced with sincerity, and she felt a rush of warmth at his words.

He’d just been assuming she might not be happy here and is feigning it but maybe he should trust her. She just might be happy with him.

His heart shuddered.

They sat there a moment longer, locked in each other’s gaze, the world beyond the table fading away.

Finally, with a playful smirk, Alaric lifted a piece of bread. "Now, tell me—how many bites of this will it take to get you to feed me yourself?"

Salviana’s brows skydived, What did he just ask? "You want me to feed you?" She asked hoping for clarification.

"I can’t forget the first time," Alaric confessed.

Salviana laughed, her heart light. "Maybe two, maybe three. But I warn you, you might end up with honey on your cheek too."

"Then I’ll be counting on you to take care of it," he replied smoothly, making her heart race all over again.

She leaned forward, picking up a small goblet of spiced wine. "Have you ever been drunk, Alaric?"

His expression grew thoughtful. "No, I have not. It might be... disastrous if I were to try. I’m certain I’d break something." He paused. "Or someone."

"Oh, so you’re just scared," she teased, leaning into him with a glint in her eye.

Alaric feigned a scowl. "Scared? I’ll show you scared." Before she could react, he picked up a small pastry and gently pushed it toward her mouth, effectively silencing her laugh.

Salviana’s eyes widened, then she dissolved into giggles, catching his hand to hold it there.

"You’re terrible!" she laughed, her cheeks flushed.

They continued eating, exchanging banter and laughter, the intimacy of their voices filling the air.

The maids just outside the doors struggled not to let their laughter escape, their faces reddened with the couple’s cheerful playfulness.

Finally, Salviana leaned back, pretending to sigh dramatically. "If I eat one more thing, I might just topple over."

"I’d never let that happen," Alaric said softly. He looked at her with a gentleness that made her cheeks flush deeper.

After breakfast, Salviana walked with Alaric toward his office, her arm looped through his. Just before they parted, Alaric turned, lifting her hand to his lips. "I’ll be in my office if you need me, my love."

"Yes, okay," she replied, a smile playing on her lips as he leaned in to press a warm kiss to her cheek. The light touch made her pulse quicken, and as he pulled away, she looked into his eyes, a glimmer of fondness passing between them.

When she finally left, Alaric stood at the door, watching her disappear around the corner. He sighed, turning back to his office, where stacks of plans and documents awaited him.

As he closed the door behind him, his thoughts lingered on the garden he had promised her. He longed to create a peaceful haven for her, a place that would bloom despite the tensions building around them.

But with the impending war, he knew his attention would be torn.

"Maybe when I return," he murmured to himself, settling at his desk with a resigned determination. For now, he would have to make preparations for both battle and the day he could finally fulfill his promise to Salviana.