Alaric blinked several times, fighting through the dizziness.
"Daphne." His voice was rough. "Are you hurt?"
She shook her head quickly. "I'm fine. Ric, I'm fine."
He pulled her into his arms immediately, embracing her tightly. His heart was hammering so loud she could feel it.
Then he broke away to check Nathaniel.
The baby slept peacefully, completely unaware.
Alaric sagged with relief. "Thank goodness."
Daphne placed a hand on his arm. "Ric… he was here."
"I know," Alaric said. "I saw enough."
A tense silence passed.
Then Alaric turned sharply to her.
"Daphne… have you met him before?"
She blinked at him. "No."
His eyes narrowed. "He spoke like he knew you. He sounded certain. He calls you his flame."
"I said no," Daphne answered firmly. "I've never met him."
"But I overheard him saying you cared for him," Alaric pressed.
"I haven't, Alaric." Her brows knit. "Surely I would remember meeting a man who looks exactly like the Emperor."
