_Alina's POV_
Alaric's presence was so commanding that it instantly transformed the atmosphere inside the silk shop. His gaze was as sharp as an eagle's, pinning the shopkeeper in place and making him visibly nervous. The shopkeeper, clearly startled by the prince's arrival, hurriedly asked Alaric what he needed. Upon seeing Alaric, Elena's expression swiftly changed, surprising me with her quick reaction. She immediately prepared to approach Alaric to greet him.
Alaric, however, paid no attention to the shopkeeper or Elena. Instead, he walked over to Juliet and me, presenting us with flowers— a bouquet of red roses for me and white lilies for Juliet. I felt a rush of warmth and gratitude as he handed me the roses, the gesture both kind and deeply personal.
"Thank you, Alaric,"
