ALARIC'S POV
The echoing sound of my footsteps reverberated through the dimly lit dungeon corridor. The cold stone walls seemed to whisper secrets of ages past. As I descended further, the distant murmurs grew louder, accompanied by an occasional giggle. My curiosity led me closer, until I reached the cell from which the sounds emanated.
Reaching the source of the noise, I found her in an unexpected scenario. There she was, valera, embracing a male guard as if he were her lifeline. Her voice, an odd mixture of innocence and intoxication, reached my ears as she playfully addressed him as "mama.".
"Hi mama," she cooed, her voice like that of a child. "You're so cute. Don't leave me alone in the dark."
I couldn't help but chuckle softly at the sight before me. She was intoxicated, her inhibitions seemingly swept away by whatever substance she had ingested. Carefully, I approached them, clearing my throat to announce my presence. The guard, too, was trying hard not to burst into laughter. I gently lifted her into my arms, her weight surprisingly light. I then scooped her up in his arms, her head resting against my chest. "Come on, little troublemaker," I murmured, my tone holding a blend of fondness and amusement.
Carrying her with ease, I left the dungeons and headed straight for the castle's medical wing, where the doctors examined her. I settled valera on a comfortable surface, watching as the doctors administered the medicine. It was clear that whatever she had consumed needed to be counteracted. They quickly understood the situation and provided a potion that would gradually wear off the effects of her intoxicated state. Her fluttering eyelashes and the soft sigh that escaped her lips hinted at the process taking effect.
Once the medicine had done its job, I gently lifted her into my arms again and carried her to his chambers. Back in my chambers, I laid her down on the bed, but she didn't settle into sleep. Instead, she sat on the ground, her energy still high. "Hot chocolate milk and sandwiches!" she exclaimed, her demand ringing through the room. It was like dealing with an intoxicated child, and I couldn't help but find it endearing.
I commanded the maids to prepare the requested food. As they worked, I found myself engaging in playful antics with valera. I cooed back at her, mimicking her earlier tone, and soon we were having a pillow fight that had both of us laughing uncontrollably. Her laughter was like music to my ears, a sound I hadn't realized I had missed.
When the food arrived, I took on the role of feeding her, one bite at a time. She ate with uncontained enthusiasm, and the happiness on her face was infectious. Once she had her fill, I guided her back to bed, her drowsiness finally beginning to take over. She tugged at my arm, and I understood she wanted me close. For a moment, I watched her sleep, a soft smile playing on her lips. Then, as I turned to leave, her fingers curled around mine, tugging me back.
She murmured softly, "Stay with me, please."
With a tender touch, I brushed a strand of hair from her face. My heart swelled with a protectiveness I hadn't known before, a desire to keep her safe and cherished. Lying down beside her, I could feel the soft rise and fall of her breath as sleep slowly claimed her. It wasn't long before her grip on my arm loosened, and her breathing deepened. With a gentle smile, I allowed myself to relax, closing my eyes and letting the warmth of the moment wash over me.
In the midst of the night, her fingers found mine, intertwining with them as if seeking comfort even in sleep. I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of connection, a pull that I hadn't experienced before. As I held her hand, I realized that no matter how unexpected this situation was, I was willing to be there for her, to navigate whatever challenges lay ahead.
And so, under the moonlight, in the quiet of the castle, we slept side by side, entwined not just by circumstance, but by something deeper that was beginning to bloom between us.