PERVERTED JERK

Alaric's gaze fell on her small feet, causing her to instinctively pull them back in embarrassment. 

"It's not that... It's just that I'm wearing heels, and my feet got a little tired," she responded hesitantly, bending down to retrieve her shoes. 

Before she could reach them, Alaric had already picked them up, prompting her to glance up at him. 

"Alaric, I..." 

Alaric ignored her words. He held her heels and turned his back to her, slightly bending his knees. 

"Come here," he said softly, commanding her to climb onto his broad back. 

Emerald was stunned for a moment and quickly refused. 

"Huh? No… I can still walk, really." 

"Do you want me to carry you, or are you getting up by yourself?" Alaric asked, though it sounded more like a threat to Emerald.