Novel & Cerita Vergil Smiling

Fragile, freezing, and utterly alone. ​"Smile, General," Valerius murmured from the opposite seat, swirling a glass of amber wine. "You look as though you are riding to your execution, not your coronation." ​"If you wanted a smiling bride, Envoy, you should have purchased a porcelain doll," I replied, my voice a dead, emotionless rasp. "I am here to fulfill a contract. Do not expect me to perform." ​Valerius merely chuckled, unbothered by my venom. He had won.

“Like I’ll fall into your lap because you’ve got money and a name that makes men piss themselves. But I’m not here to entertain you. I’m here to survive.” Valerio stared at her. And then— He laughed. A deep, amused, *genuine* sound that rolled from his throat like smoke. Sera gaped at him, stunned. “What’s so funny?” He wiped a hand over his mouth, the ghost of a grin still lingering. “You. No one—*no one*—has ever done that to me.” “You deserved it.” He looked at her like she was a myth he couldn’t wait to unravel. “I like the fire in you, *piccola.* But be careful.”