I carried her the moment she said it.
Not because she ordered me to.
But because Evelina asking for something like that—so casually, so confidently—was incredibly endearing.
Her arms slid around my neck the instant I lifted her, like it was the most natural thing in the world. She leaned comfortably against my chest, completely unconcerned about the servants scattered throughout the palace halls.
They saw.
Of course, they always would.
But just like she said, none of them interfered.
Most of them immediately lowered their heads the moment we appeared.
Smart.
Evelina's tail lazily swayed behind her as we walked, occasionally brushing against my leg. Her body was warm—still radiating the lingering heat from the black flames. The scent of scorched fabric and faint demonic magic clung to her skin.
For some reason, she decided to keep it despite dispelling her transformation.
She noticed me glancing down.
"Enjoying the view?" she murmured.
