Page 111 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
How drunk was she?
“Arms. My neck,” I said against her fingertips.
She dutifully wrapped her arms around my neck and rested her head on my shoulder. “You’re so strong. Like a fairytale prince.”
Good grief.
I had to get her back to her bedroom before anyone else saw this.
I was liable to have a heart attack if many more people witnessed this cute side of her.
“I will have a hangover potion delivered to Rose Palace for Her Ladyship,” Milton said, bowing his head as I passed.
“Make it two, Milton.” I cradled Alicia closer to me and left the room.
She was so small—both in height and weight. It barely felt as though I was carrying a real person, but somehow, her presence in my arms was the greatest weight of all.
How could it be that she was so precious?
“Heehee,” Alicia mumbled, pressing her face into my neck in a move that made me clench my jaw. “I feel like a princess.”
“You would be one if you just married me,” I replied, making my way through the gardens. “But you’re stubborn and want to delay it.”
“No.” She lolled her head against me. “I’m not stubborn. I just know what’s going to happen, silly.”
“If you say so.” I vaguely sensed the presence of Hayes and Rina somewhere behind us. “For now, focus on sleeping.”
“No, no,” she mumbled again. “I just have to wait a liiiiiittle longer.”
“For what?”
“The inevitable.”
“Which is?”
“That’s a seeeeecret.” She tightened her grip around my neck. “She’s so lucky.”
I frowned, walking into the Rose Palace. “Who is?”
“I can’t tell you.” Alicia sighed against my neck, her breath skittering warmly across my skin. “But it’s so funny.”
“What is? Or is that another secret?”
“Heehee.” Her giggles were nothing but sleepy exhales. “Little bit.”
All right.
She was really drunk.
Hopefully Milton wasn’t having the rest of that wine sent over and the hangover potion would arrive soon.
Drunk Alicia was a nonsensical Alicia.
“My room!” She grinned at the sight of her room. “Bella! Bellllllaaaaa!”
“She’ll be on her way,” I assured her, carrying her inside. “Rina, have someone bring Bella here to assist Allie.”
Rina bowed her head. “Yes, Your Highness.”
