"Goodness, Your Majesty, you startled me!" V exclaimed in fright. She had just stepped out of the dressing room, having changed out of her sleepwear, only to find Ares reclining on her bed. "What are you doing here? This is my room—"
"It's our room." Ares asserted simply, and gave a faint smile, patting the pillow beside him. "Come here, my wife. Shouldn't you be resting after days of relentless training?"
"I'm fine, Your Majesty," V stood frozen in place, Ares' sudden change in demeanor perplexed her. His gaze, usually cold and unreadable, was now softened—serene.
His gestures, the way he spoke—so unexpectedly gentle that it sent a chill down her spine. "My mistake. Can you return to your own chambers? I'm exhausted, and having you here makes me—"
Before she could finish, Ares jolted forward, scooping her into his arms and carrying her toward the bed. He ignored her protests, even as she struggled—her fists landing repeatedly against his chest.
