Salviana laughed. "Then it’s settled. Let’s go before I faint from hunger."
They rode to the bistro under the cover of night, the streets quiet save for the occasional flicker of lanterns.
When they arrived, the warm glow of the bistro’s windows beckoned them inside.
It was a quaint establishnt, the aroma of fresh bread and roasted ats wafting through the air as a cheerful hostess greeted them.
"Welco! A table for three?" she asked, her smile genuine.
"Yes, please," Salviana replied, her stomach rumbling in agreent.
They were seated by a window, the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of cutlery creating a cozy ambiance.
Lucius inspected the wine nu while Alaric scanned the room with a protective eye. Salviana, anwhile, leaned back in her chair, finally relaxing.
"This was a good idea," she said, her gaze flitting to Alaric. "See? Vampires and mortals can coexist over a al."
He chuckled. "For now. Let’s hope Lucius doesn’t scare the waitstaff."
Lucius didn’t dignify the comnt with a response, instead flagging down the waiter to place their order.
By the ti their food arrived, the tension of the day had lted away, replaced by lighthearted conversation and shared laughter.
It was a rare mont of peace in their often-chaotic lives, and Salviana couldn’t help but cherish it.
As they dined, the air inside the bistro was warm and filled with the comforting clatter of utensils and quiet laughter from nearby tables.
Salviana savored a slice of freshly baked bread, her delicate fingers brushing crumbs off the edge of her plate.
Alaric, seated beside her, was halfway through his plate of roasted at when a flicker of movent near the entrance caught his attention.
He stilled, his fork hovering mid-air. His sharp eyes narrowed, focusing on the shadow that passed the door.
For a mont, he thought he recognized the familiar gait and silhouette—it looked like Richard, his loyal knight and close friend.
But before he could be certain, the figure vanished as hastily as it appeared, disappearing into the night.
Alaric frowned, his brow furrowing in suspicion.
He debated whether to investigate or stay, unwilling to leave the table based on what could’ve been a trick of the light.
His jaw tightened as he returned to his al, though his focus was clearly elsewhere.
Salviana noticed his distraction and gently placed a hand on his arm. "What is it?" she asked softly, her green eyes brimming with concern.
"Nothing," he replied, though his tone was distant. He forced a small smile to reassure her. "Just thought I saw soone I know."
Her gaze lingered on him for a mont, but she didn’t press.
She turned back to Sarah, who was sitting at the table with them, her cheeks flushed pink with nervousness and excitent.
Sarah could hardly believe her luck.
To be seated at the sa table as Princess Salviana and Prince Alaric was beyond her wildest dreams.
She picked at her plate, trying to maintain her composure, but every ti Salviana spoke kindly to her or Alaric leaned into his wife with obvious affection, Sarah’s heart swelled.
She smiled shyly when Salviana complinted her earlier efforts in arranging the mansion.
"You’ve done a wonderful job helping today, Sarah," Salviana said warmly, her voice soft but sincere. "You’ve earned this al."
Jean nodded, "Thank you," she said to the maid.
Sarah’s hands gripped her fork a little tighter, her gratitude bubbling over. "Thank you, my lady. It’s truly an honor to dine with you both. I never imagined..." She trailed off, glancing at Alaric, who was now sipping his wine but still seed distant.
Salviana smiled and leaned forward, her fiery hair catching the candlelight. "Don’t think of it like that. You’re family to us, Sarah."
Sarah blushed furiously and ducked her head. "You’re too kind, my lady."
Across the table, Lucius lounged in his chair, observing the scene with mild amusent.
His sharp gaze flicked between the food on his plate and Jean, who was sitting stiffly beside him.
Jean, his beautiful pumpkin roommate, was clearly trying her best not to indulge in the al before her.
She nibbled cautiously at a piece of bread, her cheeks pink with self-consciousness.
Lucius smirked. "Jean," he said suddenly, his smooth, deep voice cutting through the hum of conversation. "You like the food."
Jean’s hand froze mid-air, the bread halfway to her lips. "Lucius," she stamred, clearly flustered. "It’s... it’s good, yes."
"You’re shy to eat it." He tilted his head, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. "Why? Afraid I’ll think less of you?"
Jean’s cheeks turned crimson, and she shook her head quickly. "No, hw dare youthink that. I—"
"Eat," Lucius interrupted gently but firmly. "It’s food, not a relic. Enjoy it. I insist."
Jean hesitated for a beat before giving in, nibbling more boldly now.
Lucius leaned back in his chair, satisfied, his gaze lingering on her for a mont before he returned to his wine.
anwhile, Alaric’s eyes kept darting toward the door, his unease growing.
Salviana noticed again and gently nudged him. "You’re distracted," she said in a low voice.
Alaric sighed, setting his goblet down. "I’m not sure, Salviana, but I thought I saw Richard just now. He walked past the door—at least, I think it was him. But why would he leave in such a hurry?"
"Do you want to go check?" she asked, concern etching her features. "If it’s Richard, maybe sothing’s wrong."
Alaric hesitated. "No... I’m not even sure it was him. It’s late, and we’re here as guests. I’ll deal with it later if it’s important." But his tone betrayed his unease, and Salviana frowned.
"You’ve always been the restless one," she teased lightly, trying to ease his mood. "It’s probably nothing. Let’s just finish the al and enjoy the company."
He smiled faintly, her gentle words pulling him back to the mont. "You’re right. I’ll let it go—for now."
The group continued eating, the tension ebbing slightly as the conversation turned to lighter topics.
Salviana smiled as Sarah shared a humorous story about her early days working as a maid, and even Lucius chuckled faintly at her antics.
Jean, emboldened by Lucius’s earlier words, began to eat more freely, and for a mont, the group felt like an odd but harmonious family.
Still, in the back of Alaric’s mind, the shadow of Richard lingered like an uninvited guest.
What was Richard doing here, and why avoid him?
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