Uncalled Guilt To Family

She narrowed her green eyes at him. "You're just saying all this because you don't want to admit you're boring."

"Boring?" he repeated, feigning offense. "I am anything but boring."

"You don't want to have fun!" she accused, leaning closer.

"Oh, trust me, my love," he said, his voice dropping to a low, teasing drawl, "I know plenty about having fun. Just not when it involves discomfort, dirt, and rain."

Salviana huffed, but before she could retort, he reached out and gently tucked a stray lock of her red hair behind her ear. "I'll tell you what," he murmured, his tone softening. "Next time, we'll ride horseback—when the weather is perfect, and the roads are dry. Deal?"

She pretended to mull it over, her lips pursing. "Fine. You win this round," she conceded, though her playful pout lingered.

Alaric grinned, his victory sealed, and he kissed the top of her head. "I always do."