Chapter 206: Asking for His Help
The early afternoon sun was at its hottest, but the breeze in January was cool, and Lara’s dress was comfortable, so she wasn’t drenched in sweat like Alaric was.
Alaric shrugged off his heavy robe, the fabric sliding from his broad shoulders in a casual, fluid motion. He wiped the sweat from his brow with a white, crisp handkerchief.
It wasn’t the first time Lara had seen him perspire like this, but it was her first time seeing him dressed like this— stripped down to the simplicity of his linen undershirt, its long, fitted sleeves clinging to him like a second skin that did little to hide the taut definition of his muscles. Each movement sent a ripple across his frame that caught her gaze before she could think to look away.
Prince Alaric caught her lingering stare. A knowing, playful smirk tugged at the corners of his lips, but he chose not to expose her. Instead, he dropped lazily into a nearby chair — a curious piece of craftsmanship, its seat shaped like an open palm, and the backrest formed from carved wooden raised fingers frozen mid-gesture.
The gazebo was hexagonal, with one side serving as the entrance. The opposite side featured the two hand-shaped wooden chairs, while the remaining four sides were equipped with wooden benches. People could sit on these benches and dangle their feet outside, enjoying the blooming flowers that surrounded the gazebo, which had a dome-shaped roof.
The relaxing atmosphere created by the shade of a large tree, which shielded the gazebo from the sun’s heat, along with the sweet scent of various flowers, made Lara feel at ease.
"Why did you come to see me, Lara?" Alaric asked, his voice a smooth, lazy drawl as his eyes flicked over her simple gown. "You look good in that dress, by the way. It’s... simple. No frills. I like it."
Lara glanced down, tugging at the fabric. A small smile curved her lips. "I choose comfort over beauty," she murmured. Then, gathering her courage, she inhaled deeply. "I came because I have a... presumptuous request, Your Highness."
One of Alaric’s brows arched. "Presumptuous?"
"I wanted to buy the cows and the grazing land at a village, but I don’t have any idea if the price being offered is reasonable." She glanced at Alaric only to find him looking at her intently. She felt the rush of blood on her face.
"Hmm. Continue."