Betrayed by Blood
Queen Ingrid stood before the mirror, slipping on her nightgown for the night. The soft rustle of silk sheets stirred behind her. She could feel the presence of the man before he even spoke. The bed creaked as he got up from it, and soon, she felt his warm breath against the nape of her neck.
He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. His lips brushed against her bare shoulder, lingering, as he murmured, "Come back to bed. I've missed you. Two weeks without a word is cruel."
Ingrid smiled, but it was a smile that held no warmth. She turned, meeting his gaze, and her smile faded. She looked at him, her eyes cold and emotionless. He was tall, tanned, and handsome in a way that made even the most beautiful women envy him; he was everything Alaric wasn't. But despite the beauty he exuded, Ingrid was unmoved.