Ryker's eyes never left Eliana's face, his gaze burning with intensity. "Change back so they can make a few touches on it." Eliana nodded and headed to the dressing room, her heart racing with fear. She had never been so scared in her life. She knew that if Sabine's hand had touched her, she would have had her teeth broken from the impact.
Back at home, they had been taught about the strength of vampires, while also feeding on the blood of humans. Ryker watched her and knew she was scared, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He could only blame it on this incompetent slave, still on her knees.
He turned to face Aurelia, his face blank as he narrowed his eyes. "Your carelessness would have cost your life if the blood tea had touched my wife." Aurelia trembled, her eyes wide with terror. "P...please, Your Highness, forgive me." She bent and touched his shoes, but Ryker moved back, not liking her form of begging.
"Your clumsiness will lead to your death," he hissed, shaking his head. "I don't even know why she risked her life to protect you." Aurelia kept crying, fearing for her life, knowing she hadn't only upset her mistress but also the king. And to worsen the matter, the queen had protected her, igniting his anger even more, as it was considered treason.
"Tell your mistress, if you're still alive, that the dress should be delivered tomorrow, with a few touches," Ryker commanded. "The money will be given when delivered." The air was thick with tension as Ryker's anger lingered, but his eyes never left the dressing room.
He left Aurelia's side and headed toward Eliana, who was coming out with the dress in her hand. He collected the dress, placing it on the table. "Shall we?" Ryker smiled, stretching his left hand. Eliana moved her neck to stare at the slave, who was in a worse position, wondering what had transpired between her and Ryker. Then, she turned to Ryker, her face a mask of serenity. "Yes, let's leave."
Ryker and Eliana swept out of the shop, leaving Aurelia in a cloud of tension and fear. The doorbell above the entrance rang out, announcing their departure.