The entire hall went silent as Daphne walked toward the final podium. Every eye was on her, from the lowliest servant to the Empress Dowager herself, who watched with a rare look of anticipation.
This was the moment.
Daphne reached the small, raised platform. She was about to climb the two steps to reach his level when, without a word, Alaric extended his hand. It was a simple, yet impossibly intimate gesture.
As her hand met his, his thumb brushed gently over her knuckles, and he said, his voice a low, soft voice meant for only her, "Be careful."
A gasp went through the hall. He had not only spoken to her, breaking his silence, but he had also touched her. The action, so simple and so public, was an unmistakable display of his immense favor.
Daphne took his hand and stepped onto the small podium, their hands lingering for a moment before he released her.
Alaric's eyes were fixed on her, before speaking. "Did Alice get to you late in the morning?"
