After leaving Katherine's chambers, Daphne didn't hesitate.
If she stayed any longer, she knew she'd talk herself out of it again. She already had once. Twice. Too many times.
She walked straight to the one place she knew Alaric would be, his study.
The guards outside straightened when they saw her and opened the doors without question.
Ezekiel was there. That alone made her slow her steps.
Alaric stood near the window, his back to the room, one hand resting against the frame as he looked out. In his other hand was a glass.
Beer.
That stopped her.
She had never seen him drink like that during the day.
Ezekiel noticed her first and smiled. "You look radiant,"
Daphne forced a smile. "Thank you."
Alaric turned then, slowly, as if he'd already known she was there. His eyes moved over her face, her hair, the way her dress fell over her body. His expression didn't change, but something dark flickered beneath the surface.
She looked away first.
