Astrid felt Alaric's eyes on her, his gaze unwavering. His presence was always powerful, always commanding, yet now, it felt… gentle. He was waiting fir her reply.
"Astrid," he called softly, his eyes urging her to spill it out.
She flinched slightly but forced a smile, tilting her head up to meet his gaze. "I'm fine," she said quickly, with a smile didn't reach her eyes.
Alaric frowned, studying her face carefully. There was something hidden in her expression. Something that was bothering her, and this bothered him too. He didn't like it.
Without warning, he reached out and took her hand, pulling her closer to him.
Astrid gasped in surprise. "Your Majesty..." Before she could process what was happening, the world around her blurred, and only felt herself in his arms.
A rush of wind hit her face, whipping through her hair. She barely had time to react before she instinctively clung onto him, her arms tightening around his neck.
