Alaric's lips brushed against the curve of her neck, slow, deliberate.
Daphne shivered at the touch, breath catching as his hand traced the line of her shoulder.
"I have to leave," he murmured against her skin, "But I won't be gone long."
Her hands pressed against his chest, reluctant, desperate. "Alaric…"
He pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, the storm in his gaze softening with tenderness. "Trust me. Be ready when I return."
Before she could respond, he moved swiftly toward the adjoining chamber.
A moment later, the echo of his voice carried back to her.
"I've filled the bath."
"Alice!"
The sound of hurried footsteps followed.
Alice appeared almost immediately, eyes sharp and obedient.
"Regent Majesty," she acknowledged, bowing.
"Get my wife ready for the day. Every detail. Make sure she wants for nothing while I am gone."
Alice's lips curved into the faintest smile. "At once, Regent Majesty."
