Can he cook? Can he help her do embroidery without her touching it? She grinned but Alaric didn't notice as he was busy taking up her hair.
"Come in," Alaric called, his voice carrying authority.
Emma stepped in, followed by an unfamiliar maid. Salviana noted how Emma avoided looking directly at Alaric, her movements brisk and efficient.
Meanwhile, the other maid seemed distracted, her eyes wandering curiously around the room until Emma subtly tapped her arm.
Startled, the maid hurried to set the tray on the table before retreating.
"Thank you, Emma. Have a lovely day!" Salviana said warmly.
Emma smiled at Salviana but didn't glance at Alaric as she exited. Salviana couldn't help but notice the difference in the maids' reactions to him.
Some still feared him, avoiding his gaze as if it might draw his ire.