CHAPTER 476: IN THE OFFICE

The words carried weight, a promise and a warning wrapped in one.

For a moment, the two cousin brothers sat in shared silence, sipping from their goblets, shadows from the flames dancing across their faces.

Between them, unspoken things still lingered—sacrifices Embrez would not name, fears Alaric would not voice.

But this morning, they allowed themselves this rare moment of brotherhood, bound not by crowns or titles, but by blood.

Then,

The knock was soft, almost uncertain, but Alaric’s head lifted immediately. His crimson eyes widened at the sound of her whisper.

"Alaric?"

At once, his stern composure broke into something gentler. "Come in," he called, his voice suddenly softened.

The door opened, and Salviana slipped inside. The moment her gaze found him, her face lit with a smile that scattered all the shadows in the room.

For a heartbeat, the Third Prince was no longer a dark sovereign with bloodlines whispered in fear—he was simply a man whose heart leapt at the sight of his wife.

"My fiery wife," Alaric murmured, rising to his feet. His lips curved, eyes molten with affection as he crossed the room.

He took her into his arms without hesitation, his embrace swallowing her as though he had been waiting all morning for this moment.

"Come, my love," he said softly against her hair, pressing a kiss to her temple. He leaned back, studying her face with warmth so disarming it nearly startled Embrez. "Are you hungry?"

Salviana blinked, then laughed, the sound light and incredulous. "What? No! We just had breakfast!"

He chuckled, and only then did she turn toward the guest seated across the carved desk. "Prince Embrez," she greeted warmly, dipping her head.

"Princess Salviana." Embrez smiled, lifting his goblet in acknowledgment.

Alaric slanted a look between them, his lips curving faintly though his tone carried warning. "Do not smile too much at my wife."

Salviana rolled her eyes, and Embrez only chuckled. "Possessive, as ever."

Alaric chuckled, the sound deep and low, brushing a hand across her cheek as though he hadn’t heard the protest. To him, her laughter was sustenance enough.

It was only then that Salviana noticed they were not alone. Her posture straightened, but her smile remained as she turned gracefully toward Embrez. "Your Highness," she greeted warmly, bowing her head in respect. "I should be thanking you for everything you’ve done... you have my deepest gratitude."

Embrez’s sharp eyes softened, his princely air touched with a rare gentleness. "The thanks is mine, Lady Salviana. It is enough to see you both free—and together." He inclined his goblet in acknowledgment, a faint smile ghosting his lips.

But before the moment could settle too warmly, Alaric’s arm tightened around Salviana’s waist. His crimson gaze flicked to his brother with a mock sternness that didn’t quite hide his possessiveness. "Careful, Embrez," he said, his tone half-playful, half-serious. "Don’t smile too much at my wife."

Salviana flushed, swatting lightly at Alaric’s chest. "Alaric!"

Embrez chuckled richly, the sound filling the chamber like fine wine pouring into crystal. "Ah, brother... jealousy ill becomes you, though I find it entertaining." He set his goblet aside, his eyes gleaming with that princely arrogance that made every word feel deliberate. "Rest assured, my smiles come with no threat. You have claimed her already—before the kingdom, and before fate."

Alaric’s lips curved into a slow smirk as he bent and kissed Salviana’s hand. "And I intend to keep her claimed."

The air in the office shifted then—lighter, warmer. For a brief span, the weight of politics and treason fell away.

They were not accused traitors, nor was Embrez the calculating prince pulling kingdoms into line.

They were just a man, his wife, and a brother sharing rare laughter in a room gilded with firelight.

Embres smiled after a few silent seconds, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I would hate to ask, but what brings you here, Princess? Surely not only to brighten our afternoon."

Salviana’s smile faltered, her worry returning. "I cannot find Jean," she confessed quickly, holding Alaric’s gaze. "I have searched everywhere. The guards haven’t seen her. And Lucius... do you know where he is?"

Alaric tilted his head, the playfulness slipping into a neutral mask. "No," he answered simply, voice unreadable.

A silence followed—long enough for Salviana to feel her heart climb into her throat.

Embrez pushed away from the chair and smoothed his coat. "I would be leaving now." His tone was final, distant.

Alaric’s gaze tracked his brother like a hawk, sharp and unyielding, but he said nothing.

"Oh, alright. We’ll come pay you a visit soon. We know how busy you are," Salviana offered politely.

"Do not bother," Embrez replied with a dismissive flick of his wrist. "I will be extremely busy."

She inclined her head, gratitude still shining in her expression. "Thank you again for arranging this wedding, truly."

For a flicker, Alaric caught the faraway thought in her gaze. He hadn’t come to her land to marry her. It had been strange, almost cruel, to be sent off as if she were a burden to be rid of. After the ceremony... after it was official... she would finally ask him why.

"You need not concern yourself with anything," Embrez said, bringing her back from her thoughts. "Unless there are specific details you would like, you may send your ladies to inform my people. Otherwise, rest easy. This wedding will be large, and nothing short of memorable."

"Thank you, Prince." Salviana dipped her chin.

He gave her a sly look. "And now, may I have a hug?"

Her brows arched, and she glanced toward Alaric. His golden eyes narrowed, warning sharp as steel, but Salviana laughed softly and stepped forward. Slowly, deliberately, she walked into Embrez’s arms.

The prince embraced her briefly, a gesture light and courtly. Yet Alaric’s jaw worked as his fingers flexed at his side, every muscle taut with restraint.

Embrez winked at Alaric before leaving.

"Come here my love,"

With a smile Salviana let her husband embrace her. "You say you’re not hungry?" Alaric asked.

She giggled, "Yes yes, my prince I am fine,"

"Let us go look for Jeanie then," he said with a nod.

"And Lucius too,"