CHAPTER 188: THE WEEK-LONG BREAK [7]

"Will this work?"

Elina’s voice cut through the heavy silence.

She put down the papers. Let them settle against the desk with a soft rustle after hearing what her mother had told them.

Her eyes moved between the documents and her mother’s face. Searching for certainty.

Selene nodded. "For now, this is our only option. Most of our allies are moving against us instead of taking our side. We need to consolidate what power we still have."

"If we can hold our position for the next few months—until the Duke’s investigation concludes—then we’ll have leverage again."

Elina’s teeth caught her lower lip. Bit down.

Then released.

Sigh!

She nodded. "Alright."

Her posture shifted. She stretched her arms over her head. Fingers lacing together as she arched her back.

Her spine cracked softly.

"Mm."

She lowered her arms. Rolled her shoulders once.

Then stood. Her boots carried her around the desk. Toward where Selene sat.

Selene looked up. Her expression softening as Elina approached.

Elina leaned down. Her arms wrapped around her mother’s shoulders from behind.

"Good night, Mother."

The words came quieter now. Gentler.

Selene’s hands came up. Covered Elina’s where they rested against her collarbone.

"Good night, dear."

She squeezed once. Then released one hand to guide Elina around.

Elina moved. Came to stand beside the chair instead.

Selene stood up. Pressed her lips against Elina’s forehead.

Then she pulled back. Her hand came up to cup Elina’s cheek briefly.

"Get some rest. Tomorrow will be demanding."

Elina nodded.

She straightened. Stepped back.

Then her head turned, eyes locked onto Alaric. Still sitting in his chair. Watching the exchange with that unreadable expression.

Her eyes narrowed.

The glare held for three full seconds.

Then she turned on her heel.

Her boots struck the floor with purpose as she crossed to the door.

She pulled it open. Didn’t look back.

Click.

The door closed behind her.

Leaving just Alaric and Selene in the candlelit study.

Alaric sighed. Then stood up, stretched his arms above his head.

His joints cracked softly.

"So it’s time for me to go too, now."

He lowered his arms. Started to turn toward the door.

But...

"You’re not going anywhere."

Selene’s voice cut through the air.

Her expression had shifted. The maternal softness from moments ago completely gone. Replaced by that composed, businesslike mask.

Ah crap!

Alaric groaned internally as Selene moved behind the desk. Began gathering documents with precise movements.

"There are still reports and ledgers that need—"

But the words died in her throat as she saw Alaric stood close. Very close.

Her eyes widened slightly.

"W-what are you doing?"

She stepped back.

Her hip bumped the desk edge.

But Alaric moved forward. Matched her retreat.

"Are you mad at me?"

His crimson eyes stayed locked on her face. Searching.

Selene’s composure snapped back into place. Like armor sliding on.

"No. Why are you asking this? Just—"

"Then why are you behaving like this?"

His voice dropped lower. Quieter. But more intense.

"Why are you doing this?"

He took another step.

"I—I don’t know what you mean—"

Thump!

Her back hit the study wall.

Nowhere left to retreat.

The bookshelf behind her rattled slightly.

Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!

Her heart pounded against her ribs.

Her chest heaved. Each breath coming faster.

Alaric kept moving. Closing the remaining distance.

His boots stopped right in front of her. So close the fabric of his clothes nearly brushed hers.

So close she could smell him. The faint scent of travel dust mixed with something distinctly him.

"Stay—"

"Are you like this because..."

He leaned in.

His breath ghosted across her ear. Warm. Too warm.

"You saw me with Iris."

Selene’s entire body went rigid.

"What are you talking about?" The words tumbled out fast. "Why would I be jealous of a mere maid?"

Silence.

Then—

"Jealous?"

Alaric’s lips curved. A smirk spread across his face as he pulled back just enough.

His eyes locked onto hers. Pinned her there against the wall.

Selene’s gaze darted away. To the side. The bookshelf. Anywhere but his face.

"I never mentioned jealousy." His voice carried dark amusement now. "I was just about to say you would have felt awful. Ashamed. That I was with a mere servant..."

He tilted his head. The smirk widened.

"But jealous?"

His hand came up. Braced against the wall beside her head.

Caging her in.

"I do want to know now why you thought that."

Selene’s hands flailed slightly. Then came up between them like a weak barrier.

She tried to pull her composure back. Wrap it around herself like armor.

"Stay back, I’m—"

But Alaric leaned in closer.

His voice dropped. Became something soft. Sweet. Dangerous.

"I missed you, Selene."

Thump!

Her heart slammed against her ribs.

Heat flooded her cheeks. She could feel the blush spreading down her neck.

No. Stop. Don’t say that. Don’t do this.

The words screamed in her mind.

But her mouth couldn’t form them. Her lips parted. Closed. Parted again.

Nothing came out.

Alaric’s other hand came up and cupped her cheek. Firm but gentle.

His thumb brushed across her cheekbone.

"I missed you. Every single day I was thinking about you."

His eyes held hers. Wouldn’t let her look away now.

"Thinking about this. About seeing you again." His thumb traced lower. Along her jaw. "About hearing your voice when you’re not putting on that perfect lady act."

His breath ghosted across her features.

"About how you look when that mask slips. Like right now."

"Alaric, you—"

But her protest died as Alaric moved in, closing the distance.

His lips captured hers.

Selene’s breath hitched. Her eyes widened.

"Mmn—"

A soft sound escaped her throat.

Her hands pressed against his chest.

Pushed.

But there was no strength behind it.

Her fingers curled into his shirt instead. Gripped the fabric.

Eyes fluttered closed.

Thump! Thump!

Her heart pounded so hard she could hear it in her ears.

Eventually, she leaned into the kiss.

Her grip on his shirt tightened. Pulled him closer rather than pushing him back.