Please Me
“Wait, wait, wait,” said the woman sitting across from Knox, barely able to contain her laughter. “He kissed her hand?”
Her name was Mira, one of the few people in the palace who could get away with teasing the king without losing her head. She was the palace’s head strategist and a close ally to Alaric, though she often acted more like a sister than a subordinate.
“Oh, it gets better,” Knox said, leaning back in his chair. “He called her my Luna like he was in some kind of romance novel.”
Mira burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. “I can’t believe I missed this! Where was 1?”
“Probably off doing actual work,” Knox replied, smirking.
Mira wiped a tear from her eye, her laughter finally subsiding. “You’re serious, though? Alaric actually did that?”
“As serious as the scowl he gave me when I told him I was going to tell you.”
Mira shook her head, grinning. “Poor Liana. She probably thinks he’s lost his mind.”
“Heb
has,” Knox said with mock seriousness.
Mira slapped his arm playfully before standing. “Alright, let’s go help him. If we leave him to his own devices, he’s going to ruin dinner tonight.”
Knox raised an eyebrow. “Help him? I was just planning on making fun of him some more.
“Knox,” Mira said, giving him a pointed look. “Be useful for once.”
Knox sighed dramatically but followed her out of the room
When they found Alaric, he was back in his chamber, staring out the window with his arms crossed. He didn’t turn when they entered, but the tension in his shoulders was obvious.
“Don’t even start,” he said without looking at them.
“Oh, we’re starting,” Mira said cheerfully, walking over to stand beside him. “Knox told me everything. I’ve been waiting for this moment for years.”
Alaric shot her a withering look. “I don’t need your commentary.”
“Yes, you do,” Mira said, undeterred. “Because if you go into dinner tonight with whatever plan you think you have, to scare her off for good.”
you
u’re going
“I’m not trying to scare her,” Alaric said, his tone defensive.
“No?” Mira Filt
“No?” Mira tilted her head, studying him. “Then what are you trying to do? Charm her? Because, no offense, you’re terrible at it.”
1/7
+15 Bonus
Knox snorted, earning a glare from Alarie.
“She’s not like the others,” Alaric sald after a moment, his voice quieter now.
Mira raised an eyebrow. “Others? You mean the ones who didn’t make it?”
Alaric didn’t reply, his jaw tightening.
Mira sighed, her teasing tone
“Look, 1 get it. This is new territory for you. But if you keep treating her like she’s just
another pawn in your game, it’s going to backfire.”
“I don’t see her as a pawn,” Alaric said sharply.
“Good,” Mira said, nodding. “Then show her that. Be honest. Be human.”
Knox coughed. “He might need some practice with that last part.”
Alaric rolled his eyes. “Are you both done?”
“Not quite,” Mira said with a grin. “What are you wearing to dinner?”
Alaric frowned. “What does it matter?”
“It matters,” Mira said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “You’re trying to make an impression, remember? You can’t just show up looking like you’ve been brooding in the shadows all day.”
Knox smirked. “Which, to be fair, is exactly what he’s been doing.”
Mira ignored him, pulling open Alarie’s wardrobe. “Wear this,” she said, holding up a dark, tailored suit with subtle silver embroidery.
Alaric raised an eyebrow. “It’s just dinner.”
“Not for her, it’s not,” Mira said firmly. “You’re the king. Everything you do leaves an impression, whether you like it or not.
Alaric sighed but took the suit. “Fine. But if this doesn’t go well, I’m blaming both of you.”
not.”
Mira grinned. “Deal. Just don’t mess it up.”
