Chapter 29

"Your husband is quite the sight, isn't he? Positively ravishing."

Portia heard Alexia's voice carry through the room, laced with mischief. She was perched at the window, ogling Cristiano as he sparred with his soldiers on the training grounds. Despite the crisp chill in the air, his shirt clung to his back with sweat, his muscles taut with every swing of his sword.

Portia, seated at her vanity, raised an eyebrow. "Such vulgar praise for the Crown Prince?" she mused, eyeing her friend. "Lady Alexia, are you sure you are as ladylike as you pretend to be?"

Alexia rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh, drop the title nonsense. And forget him for a moment, tell me, how was your wedding night? Don't play coy, Portia. Was it as killer as the man himself?"