As he began to stride toward her, the commanding air of the king cloaked him, and Amaris's eyes widened in surprise and uncertainty. The air crackled with tension as she stood rooted to the spot, not daring to defy the king's command for the first time.
Isaac watched the exchange with an amused glint in his eyes, curious about Alaric's intentions. The squire beside Amaris seemed to hold his breath, caught between his respect for the crown and concern for the maid who had unexpectedly caught the king's attention.
Alaric's smirk only widened as he closed the distance between them. The gleam in his eyes was filled with amusement. "You seem to be quite lost," he teased, leaning in so close that Amaris could feel the pressure of his presence. His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, mea
