The moment Alaric received the message, the world ceased to exist.
Courtiers speaking, nobles bowing, whispered attempts to gain his attention, none of it reached him. He moved through the ballroom like a storm, his cold composure cracking for the first time. Even Master Brigham, stepping into his path, was shoved aside without a glance.
.
He reached Eveline's chambers and burst the doors open.
The air was thick and unnatural His sharp gaze swept the room in a single breath. Lily stood near the bed, flustered and panicked, trying to calm Eveline, who was twisting weakly against the sheets, her breaths uneven.
Alaric's voice cut through the room, low and final.
"Leave."
Lily hesitated. "My prince..."
One look from him silenced her. His presence was overbearing and commanding.
After one last worried glance at Eveline, Lily bowed and slipped out, closing the door softly behind her.
The room fell still.
veline stared at the ceiling, lashes fluttering. Everything felt wrong, too hot, too heavy. Her thoughts scattered, her body no longer obeying her mind. She tried to sit up and failed, releasing a faint, frustrated sound.
Suddenly, firm arms caught her.
She stiffened instinctively, breath hitching, before a familiar presence steadied her. The hold was strong, controlled and safe.
"Easy," a voice murmured.
Her vision blurred, but she knew that voice. She racked her brain, "where did she know this voice?"
"Don't worry," he said quietly. "I'm here."
Her head throbbed. A memory resurfaced, a boy held her in his arms, "don't worry, I'm here"
"Alaric…" she whispered, unsure if he was real or just something her mind created to survive the heat.
He adjusted his hold, supporting her carefully. Heat radiated from her body through the thin fabric between them, setting every nerve on edge. Alaric clenched his jaw. He could feel himself losing control.
"You are safe," he said firmly, as though the words alone could make it true.
She shifted weakly, pressing closer, her senses began losing control.
"Help me," she whispered. His breath caught. Alaric lifted her chin gently, forcing her unfocused gaze to meet his.
"Do you know who I am?" he asked, urgency threading his voice.
She blinked at him, confusion clouding her features.
"You… you are Alaric," she said softly. That was enough
The restraint he had maintained for so long cracked, he kissed her with urgency, his tongue prying into her teeth, his hands went under her cloth, slowly undressing her. She let out a faint moan leaning onto him, Alaric's mind became foggy, all he could see was her. He tore the last clothing she had on, he looked at her bare body, a flash of lust passed through his eyes, her breasts were pointing calling him in, he groped one of the breast with his hands while the other he sucked, his tongue playing with the nipple. Eveline could feel her core getting wet.
Alaric kissed her neck, his hands going down to her legs entering her core, "darling, you are already wet," he whispered, he increased the speed of his fingers, the moans got louder, she reached her pinnacle and finally released. He wanted to pull out when she held his hands and put it back in, "I want more," her breath shaky, Alaric traced her body with his hands and kissed her forehead, "You naughty girl, do you want to get pregnant before you marry me?" Eveline didn't respond, he looked at the torn clothes on the floor, and smiled, he picked them up and fetched another clothes for her. After dressing her, he tucked her in and coaxed her to sleep.
Whatever had been done to her, whoever was responsible, they would answer. Meanwhile, in the ballroom, the night had not yet ended.
Guests were leaving in murmurs when a sharp voice cut through the fading music.
"I saw her." All eyes turned.
Merlia stepped forward, her voice trembling but loud enough to carry. "I saw Eveline carrying Amber's cousin into a room. He was drunk, he struggled, but she insisted. She said she would bear his child and force him to abandon his wife."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Daphne's irritation sharpened. "You are bold to make such an accusation."
Another lady stepped forward. "At least give her a chance to defend herself. If it is false, it will be proven." Whispers grew louder. "The queen is protecting her, maybe the rumors are true."
"No wonder she's protected."
"So that's how she climbed so fast."
Daphne's gaze hardened as she looked at the gathered nobles, before looking at Merlia. She had underestimated them.
"Enough," she said coolly. "If there is truth to this, it will be uncovered."
With a sharp gesture, she ordered the everyone.
"Let's go to Eveline's chambers."