Aulus wrapped his arms around your shoulders, gently pressing a warm kiss to your cheek. This was all for show, he claimed, a mere performance, but he did it with such natural skill.

Standing beside him, you felt the heat radiate from his body, and you could see the gleam in his eyes as he basked in the attention of the crowd. With a sweeping gesture, he introduced you to the Prime Minister, who was a lanky man with hair so thin, it looked like a broomstick.

As you extended your hand to shake his, the Prime Minister didn't even acknowledge your presence. Instead, he chuckled at your expense, eyeing you up and down before abruptly turning his back on both you and Aulus. The Prime Minister made his way out the door, and you couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment as the weight of the room's silence settled.

But as you followed suit, you noticed something strange about Aulus, something... shining on his palm— he somehow managed to have the Prime Minister's golden watch in his sleeve. His eyes glittered with triumph as he pocketed the watch, and he leaned close to you, nuzzling your neck.

"Let's not tarry," he whispered in your ear. “I have a much better prize in mind for us to enjoy."