I stood beside Alaric at the edge of the ballroom, acutely aware of the many eyes still sliding in my direction. The initial shock of my maskless appearance was fading, replaced by curiosity and speculation that rippled through the crowd in hushed conversations.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" I whispered to Alaric, noticing the smug satisfaction on his face.
He leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. "I'm enjoying watching everyone realize what I've always known—that my wife is the most beautiful woman in the room."
"And you're not at all pleased by how many jealous glares you're receiving from other men?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.
Alaric's expression darkened slightly. "Those men should take care where their eyes linger. I'm not known for my patience."
I laughed softly, oddly flattered by his possessiveness. "You can't threaten the entire nobility just for looking at me."
