Chapter 40: Silly Smiles and Expectations
As Alaric went ahead his evening, in their chambers it was bustling, while the maids moved around the chambers, Salviana couldn’t help but smile to herself, reminiscing about the day’s unexpected sweetness.
Riding through Wyfellon with Alaric, the gentle moments they shared, and the thoughtful way he had tried to ease her troubles—everything had left her heart brimming with warmth.
She bit her lip, her cheeks reddening at the memory of his touch and the way he looked at her. It was overwhelming and yet... comforting.
Priscilla, her maid, was visibly annoyed, her lips pressed into a thin line as she folded Salviana’s dress with quick, irritated movements.
The sight of her lady so joyful clearly grated on her, though she made no effort to voice it.
Emma, on the other hand, beamed with a proud, motherly smile, looking at Salviana like a doting guardian, silently approving of her growing fondness for Alaric.
Sarah, ever the curious one, kept glancing up with barely disguised interest, her subtle questions trying to pry into what had happened during Salviana’s outing.
"Did the prince take you somewhere lovely today, my lady?" Sarah asked, her tone light but her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Salviana dodged the inquiry with ease, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "It was a peaceful day," she said simply, offering no further details, knowing well Sarah could twist her words into gossip.
The maids continued their work, helping her undress, bathe, and dress for dinner. Salviana grew restless at the fuss.
She’d never liked all of it.