Nilo laughed as she continued to mumble into his neck while her mouth seemed to explore his skin over and over again. He found the way her voice muffled to be adorable. Hell, he found the whole woman adorable. Anyone else would think he had lost his mind, considering his wife’s usual stern and oftentimes even terrifying personality, but what they didn’t understand is that he never saw that side of her. It was a rare occasion that typically only came when he was puttering around the barracks and courtyard area on duty. With him, she was always much softer.

Nilo stretched beneath the blanket as she rolled off of him, letting out a satisfied purr at the feeling. “Before I pass out? Says the one who’s yawned at least three times.” He fired back with a lazy smile, watching her for a moment before sitting up himself. He scratched at his head and finally yawned, eyes closing and a hand coming over his mouth. The prince smacked his lips a few times and looked around for his clothes, reaching over to grab what remained of the semi-neat pile they had created. Luckily, it wasn’t a night where things were strewn everywhere. That would have certainly been a fatal move in the dark clearing.

Now, the redhead could have probably gotten dressed underneath the blanket, but he was quick to notice his wife was watching him. What kind of husband would he have been if he had denied her a show? So, of course, Nilo dressed far slower than he usually had and in a way that was meant to entertain rather than get his clothes on. Would anyone ever expect any less of him? He slipped into his underwear and shimmied into his pants, ending with the shirt, which he left partially unbuttoned at the top. Closed enough to hide his scars, though open enough to be attractive.

“A warm bed will be nice, considering we haven’t really shared one in a while now.” Nilo commented, slipping on his boots before beginning to collect their things and tote them back over to the horses. Making sure they had everything, the man hopped up on his horse, joining her so that they could start the journey to the castle. “I like that plan, swap[ping dreams and talking. I believe we’re overdo for a talk about our future. That, and I like hearing what goes on in that mind of yours. I mean, I’m sure most of it is about stabby things, but I know there's got to be at least a few other things going on in there.” He joked, leading them through the forest he had grown up exploring.

“Seriously though, I like hearing about what you want. It allows me to learn more about you and of course,” He flashed a grin, “it gives me a chance to make those dreams of your come true.” It was a pure, genuine admission from him. He wanted his wife to live the best life she could and if he could help, he would. “What’s the point of all these royal connections if I can’t use them to help my family be happy?” Nilo lived a life where he could make very few choices of his own, as such was the life of a crown prince, so he planned on using what little benefits existed to help those he loved.

The man had glanced over her when he had turned in that direction, eyeing the pants she had decided to don in mock disdain. “Y’know, the pants really kill the whole look there.” Nilo commented, mostly joking, “I personally think, in my expert husbandly opinion, that you should’ve gone without.” The look he wore was purely mischief. Obviously, he could truly care less what she wore, but he liked to stare at her exposed legs and ogle her entirety in his true boyish fashion. “You had a really good look going there you know. It was the epitome of fashion.”

The man’s comment about her mainly thinking about knives and swords earned a playful sneer, though she knew it was all in jest. “I also like to think of the most effective ways to torture people.” Gennadius shifted in the saddle with an amused huff, her head tilting in his direction to pick up all he said. The night was perfect, the crunch of hooves against the ground pleasing as Nilo spoke and led them through the pathways of the forest. Bugs chirped here and there, and she found the robe quite comfortable, though the pants were a practicality call she would stand by.

The woman allowed his words to roll through her mind, about to respond when he honed in on her choice of apparel. “Now Nilo Van Aslan, I am not about to go riding up to the castle with guards and no pants on. And I’m not even going to go into the discomfort and awkwardness of riding like that.” Dark eyes turned to stare at him, though her lips tipped up in smirk. “But if your so dead set on my fashion choice of lack of fashion, then when we settle in the room, I’ll see about returning to my… former state.”

With that out of the way, she returned to the more serious side of their conversation. “You know, you already do so much for me,” she pointed out, offering him a warm grin. “Sometime I don’t really register that we’ve only been married closing on three months now since I’ve gotten so used to being around you before that. And there is never a day that goes by that you don’t do something for me and you make me a very happy woman. But there really is so much more we have to learn about each other, isn’t there?” It was food for thought.

The castle started to come into view, the familiar sight something that warmed her heart and brought with it a million memories, both good and bad. They had some powerful memories here, though there was one that was almost overwhelming. Their first night as a married couple. It was something that could never be forgotten really, all her senses and thoughts overwhelmed for the first time that night in the best of ways. It had painted his old room in a warmer more beautiful light, transforming that part of the castle for her.

Allowing Nilo to hail the guards, she waited until they were within the walls before speaking again. “You want to know one thing I look forward to?” She guided her horse towards the stable as she spoke, “I look forward to making even more memories here. Our memories. More amazing nights and vacations, until every single part of this castle overwhelms my senses with thoughts of us, and the life we’re going to create. Every brick, piece of furniture, view…” There was excitement and passion in her voice, something that came with her realization that she had a bright future with Nilo. Another sensation her husband had instilled in her.

Swinging from the equine, her feet hit the stable floor, Gennadius guiding the horse into an empty stall and trying to avoid getting her feet stabbed with stray hay. Though she did not regret having tied her boots to the saddle, easing the whole thing off. “So here’s my plan. We put the horses up, grab our bags, then take off for your room like two bats out of hades. Then we throw ourselves into the bed, you hold me, and we talk about everything.” Fingers ran through a mane before grabbing a brush and offering the short hair of her steed a quick brush down for the night.

With that done, she threw her bag over her shoulder and found her husband, taking her spot by his side. A hand reached up to ruffle his already out of place hair. “What are your dreams for the future? What do you want to do? One day you’re going to have all of Lavarre, tell me about it.” He had asked about her dreams for the future, but she wanted to hear his. “And then I want to hear what you want for our future. And I wont say another word until I hear it all. It’s my turn to listen to everything you.”

The journey to the castle was easy and peaceful, with the breeze ruffling the trees and the soft sounds of their horses’ hoofbeats keeping them company as they traveled down the final stretch of their little adventure. This had all been such a good idea… Nilo was glad he had it. Two days away from the hustle and bustle would be nice. Not to mention he enjoyed visiting the country castle with her, as it was where they met. Where their friendship and eventual relationship started. There was that and so much more that he loved about the countryside castle. It had been his home for so long.

“I’m sure we’ll never know everything about each other, but that’s okay.” He replied to her comment, head swiveling to look around as they exited the forest, “It just gives us a lifetime of digging and discovering for us to look forward to. Makes sure things never get boring, y’know?” Now, Nilo was sure that things could never get boring when they were together anyway. There was never a dull moment between them, but there was something about knowing that there was always more to get to know about a person that seemed rather incredible to him.

Nilo called out to the guards as they approached and the gates opened, allowing the couple to enter the grounds. The man’s thoughtful gaze turned in her direction as she spoke, softening at her want to make more memories in the now empty castle. “I look forward to that too,” Was all he could say, agreeing and not knowing how he could possibly top that statement, “I always loved this place.” It warmed the prince that she adored one of the places he had called home. It was a part of his life that she was fond of and he was more than happy to share every bit of it with her.

He listened to her plan as he tugged out the feeding directions, looking them over and distributing the rations as he was instructed. The man removed his belongings from the horse and put it within its stall, joining his wife who popped up at his side. He chuckled as she ruffled his hair, reaching up with his own hand to try and smooth it somewhat, though it was already far too destroyed from his wife's fingers. He had been ready for her to take off as she had described, but instead she chose to question him. She wanted to know what he wanted.

Nilo took her hand and interlaced their fingers, giving her an experimental twirl before leading her off towards the castle. "Hmmm, what do I desire?" He questioned, head tilted back slightly as he thought, “I don’t believe I want a lot of things. I’m one of the only people in Lavarre who can say that. I will be provided for until the day I pass.” He explained, pulling his bag from over his shoulder to pull out the keys as the little side door came into view, “I suppose that is one of the few benefits that come with the position I hold. I can take care of my family and not worry about losing everything.”

The key slipped into the door, the lock clicking and the door opening for them to step inside the dark castle. Moonlight seeped through the upper windows and bathed the hallway with a silvery glow. “What I am going to become has long been decided for me, though I made peace with that long ago. I’ll just make myself miserable if I dream of a different life and nobody has time for that garbage,” Nilo laughed softly, shaking his head, “Not that I could abandon Lavarre anyway, my loyalty belongs to these people. I just want to be a good king for them.” Like his father, the prince would happily work himself into the grave if it meant his kingdom was well at the end of the day.

“There’s a lot I’d like to do for them, but I guess we all have a little “save the world” in us. So I’ll offer them what I can and hope they forget me once my reign ends. People only seem to remember the bad rulers.” Another puff of laughter escaped him, the man knowing the truth behind that phrase. Not everyone was a decent ruler as his father was, “But gaining the crown is certainly not what I most anticipate. It’s just a milestone that’ll come when it comes, but there are some things I’m excited for. Not many, but there are some.” He explained, knowing kingship was never his first choice, but it wasn’t his choice to make.

“But when it comes to our future, just us… I guess I don’t know. Specifics, that is.” There were so many ways their future could pan out, both good and bad, though he knew deep down that they would be just fine, “I look forward to when we finish decorating our wing and making it our home. That’ll be really nice, kind of like the completion of the first big thing we did while married.” Nilo was so excited for the day that their room was completely decorated as their forever home. It was the first time he’d had something that seemed so normal and domestic. It was nice.

She meant it when she said she wanted to listen to what he wanted, taking the offered hand that was given to her. Gennadius twirled at his leading, the plan for a mad dash discarded in lieu of the thoughts he began to share with her. It was true, they would never have want in the department of needs, something Gennadius was all too familiar with and grateful for the security that Nilo could offer her. But she knew that it came at the cost of a very demanding life for him, which he moved on to next.

For a moment there seemed to be a longing for a life other than the one he was born into, though it did not last long. But it was there, her head tilting as she gazed towards him, squeezing his hand gently. It was a rare occasion that she got to glimpse that part of him that longed for something beyond one day being monarch and reigning over the whole of Lavarre. It was the one part of their relationship that even Gennadius dreaded, though she never spoke of it to him, nor would she unless she was asked. It was one thing she did not want him to worry about, because at the end of the day, even if she despised it to her last breath, she would stay by Nilo’s side and love him anyway.

The switch in conversation to their wing caused her to offer him another hand squeeze, looking forward to the day they got it all planned out herself. They had their room somewhat figured and ideas for the other rooms, but they hadn’t had the time to work on any of it together since the first week they had arrived. She had time, but she refused to do anything without him, so it was all left undone.

“Firstly, I want the world to remember you, because I am certain you will be the best monarch Lavarre has to offer. People do remember the good times that are brought on, and I remember clearly that you want a reign of peace. They will remember, and I am sure they will remember the benevolent king that did that for them.” She stopped as they reached the door to his room, releasing his hand so she could turn to face him. “You may not have chosen this path for yourself, but we can make it as wonderful as domestic life. Though those aren’t all they are cracked up to be sometimes.” She laughed softly, though she had left herself out of the monarchy picture. Oh, she planned on pulling her weight as queen one day, but she would do it from the sidelines, and be there to alleviate some of Nilo’s pressures.

What truly struck her though was his lack of knowing what he wanted for his future. A hand reached up to his cheek as she gave one of her quintessential half-grins. “You’ll figure out what you want as we go on, I’m sure. You can’t tell me you just want me to exist and that’s all, besides traveling.” She gave a light chuckle. She could list for days everything she wanted, the dreams she had. But then again, she had lived a life where all she could have were dreams of things that she believed could never be. And now they could be, so they were all the stronger.

Not that she minded too much. It just meant she could learn every day the things he wanted through the things he did and the ways he acted. She would find it enjoyable, searching her husband in all the little things to understand the big things. “We’ll figure them out together,” she concluded, “and I can enjoy the hunt of it all.” Her fingers playfully traced up his shirt, “Search you, dig a little deeper, find out your secrets that even you don’t know.”

She pecked him on the lips before reaching for the door handle, back to talking excitedly. “With my schedule, I can most certainly come and bother you on and off. See, when you have a kingdom at peace, there isn’t quite so much for someone of my rank to do other than some paperwork. The financials and budgets for the military all get sent to you,” Gennadius pointed out, swinging the door open and grabbing Nilo’s hand to drag him in after her, her attention on him. “Though the possible trips are certainly a...”

The woman trailed as dark eyes swept into the room, the curtains left open for moonlight to stream in across the room that was covered in rose petals among other decorations. It was clear that the room had been set up for them, her gaze darting to Nilo, having released him unintentionally, before returning to scan the room. Everything was dusted, even the bed cover being a plush red blanket that was clearly placed for their use.

“Damn, I was not expecting this,” she commented, doing a spin to take in all the work Theodore had put into the room. Her bag was placed by the foot of the bed before she sat down, causing quite a few petals to be displaced. “I take it you had something in mind,” she chuckled.

Nilo leaned into her hand as she brought it to his cheek, listening to her words with curious eyes. Was that really not all he wanted? Well sure… there were other things he wanted, he knew there were, but he couldn’t think of anything he wanted more than anything or dreamed of. It wasn’t like he could purchase a house since he lived in the castle. His profession had been assigned to him at birth, so there was no such thing as dreaming of a different career. He got to choose his wife, which had been more than he had ever anticipated.

So when all was said and done, what was there for Nilo to dream about? What did he have left to want that was his own? He didn’t even have the right to choose whether or not he wanted children… Which luckily, he did like children, so that wasn’t an issue, but still. It baffled him, the idea that he could still want more. Because what was left after that? To be the crown prince meant your life was the backbone of the kingdom's future and therefore you didn’t get much of a choice. It wasn’t that Nilo was bitter, as it was probably one of the only things in his life that he was apathetic about, but it was just a very odd, borderline unfathomable thought that there was more he could dream of.

“Perhaps as we get older and grow my wants and dreams will change,” Nilo agreed, looking at her fondly as she seemed to anticipate digging deeper, “But for now, it appears I am a simple man. I guess I never had much of an opportunity to dream or want for myself.” The words were the only insight to what he had been thinking, though he would have to leave his contemplation for later, as internally debating one's right to want and dream wasn’t exactly something to do on a romantic vacation with your wife, now was it? Nilo just wanted to spend time with her and have fun.

He allowed himself to be tugged along, following her with sparkling eyes as the conversation was going to continue no doubt late into the night. He looked forward to it. But it was then the pair was faced with the sight of the room, which had been lavishly decorated to say the least. With the sheer pink curtains on the four-poster with the bows that tied them back and the crimson blanket that came with a variety of decorative pillows at the bed’s head. There were unlit candles scattered about, vases on each nightstand. Not to mention the rose petals…

Nilo poked his head into the bathroom, which had pink towels, another vase, and a luxurious bath set. He had certainly not... This was extensive… He blinked at the room, shocked. “I-” He cut himself off with a laugh at her comment, “I did not expect this.” He breathed out, meandering around the room for a moment, “I just wanted the room to look a little nice, but I wasn’t expecting something so… expansive. I mean… even the bathroom is decorated. Gods, how much time did he spend here? This must have taken forever… this is all so much.”

The man wandered over to the balcony doors, peering out of them into the night. Fingers rested on the knob for a moment before he decided against going outside, leaving that for the next day. “But it’s so pretty. Makes our regular room look sub-par with all this color coordination and detail… the bows. Even the towels are pink. Extravagant entrance to the weekend, don’t you think?” He asked her, turning around to face her with a smile. He was happy. Truly and utterly happy. Nilo could have everything he wanted, but this was something so precious that not money could buy.

He approached one of the vases and tentatively withdrew a flower, sniffing at it rather innocently for a few quiet moments before putting it back with the others. “I asked Theodore to do it since he was in the area, threw in a bonus,” He explained, sitting next to her on the bed. He leaned back, plans flattening against the comforter with a groan, “Gods this blanket is so comfortable it has to be illegal. I don’t even know where he got it but we have to steal it when we leave.” Nilo picked up a few petals and played with them in his palm for a moment before blowing them onto the floor.

He allowed himself to fall back, which caused petals to flutter softly around him. “It appears we have been given the royal treatment, Gennadius,” He chuckled, interlacing his fingers and resting them on his chest while he stared at the pink canopy, “So what shall we do with ourselves? Are pajamas our first order of business?” His questions came out with a satisfied purr, the man turning his head in her direction and giving out one of his usual brow wiggles.

Dark blue eyes watched Nilo fondly as he investigated the room, clearly as surprised as she was, if not more so. “Even the bathroom?” she laughed at the concept of the bathroom being decorated. Then again, that was a favorite place of theirs considering she had come to love and enjoy hot bubble baths. A beautiful thing that Nilo had introduced to her.

“It is rather stunning,” she acknowledged, looking around again and finding the whole thing both cozy and attractive. “It is far more skilled than my plans for our room.” She met his smile with a grin of her own, head tilting slightly as she gazed at him, able to feel the happiness just coming off him. It warmed her to see him so bright, making the already beautiful set-up all the better. As he moved over to her, she continued to gaze at him fondly, her grin widening to hear that it was Theodore who had managed it all. “Maybe we should ask Theodore to plan out our room at home. It does need quite a bit more work. Or, once we get back and your schedule slows down a bit, you and I should head into the market and find some traveling traders and see what we can find.”

Leaning over him once he settled, the woman took in a deep breath, the room smelling heavenly. “The blanket should be our first special addition to our room, hmmm? It is unbelievably soft and I bet you wonderfully warm.” Fingers reached out to run over his cheek. “Maybe we should steal the curtains for special occasions too.” Her palms moved to flatten out on either side of him as she held herself above him, her body off to the side. “And the pillows. Though I suppose we should test them out first.”

She bent her head and lowered herself down enough to peck him on the lips before sitting up. “Well, I’m mostly in my pajamas so you would have to be the one doing most of the changing, I think. Of course, while you do that, I could light all these beautiful candles. It would be a waste not to, don’t you think?” Sliding to her feet, she stretched, back to the man, well aware that he loved the robe on her, even if the pants did throw off the look some.

Unable to resist, Gennadius stepped towards the bathroom and peeked in. “Oh, I so expect one of your famous baths in the morning, do you hear?” Moving further inside, she inspected Theodore’s work, unable to resist a soft snort that he even added a red fluffy carpet next to the tub. “Where the hell does a person even get this stuff?” she laughed, popping her head back out. “You better give Theodore a second bonus for this. I think it’s a talent. You better catch up Nilo Van Aslan or I might make everyone uncomfortable and fall in love with him.” It was obvious teasing considering her heart was for the prince alone and women were not the scribe’s taste, but it was funny nonetheless.

Finally coming out from her inspection, she sat on the bed long enough to pull off her pants now that they were in the privacy of their own room and she was not on a horse. With the thrown to the side, she readjusted her robe before moving to light the candles scattered in various places throughout the room. As she did so, it was obvious even their placement had been well thought out, the soft glow of the candles not so strong that it took away, but just enough and scattered in such a way that all the main decorations and part of the bed was lightly lit in the warm hue.

To complete it, she moved over to the balcony doors to shift those curtains to finally block out the rest of the moonlight, leaving the room a spread of reds, oranges, and yellows. Warm inviting tones. Returning to the crimson spread, she sat down on it, shifting to sit with her back to the headboard as she stretched out her legs. “Come here,” she grinned out her words, waving him over.

It almost felt sinful that they would be leaving after just two days after seeing all the work Theodore had put in. Nilo grinned up at her when she leaned over him. “We can steal whatever we want, considering I’m sure I bought all of this,” He snorted, glancing around the room once more, though his attention was mostly on the person who loomed above him with a smile that matched his. And much to his satisfaction, she offered him a short kiss that was soft and sweet as they always were. He had the perfect woman and a perfectly decorated room. It was everything he wanted and more.

“Ah, I do suppose you are already dressed for the occasion.” Nilo agreed, watching as she stretched before getting up himself and meandering over to his bag. The man pulled out a pair of pants and one of his few sleeveless shirts while she explored, anticipating the more comfortable clothing. The man changed, leaving his day clothes folded on the chest at the end of the bed, neat and tidy as always. Tightening the drawstring on his pants, the man took a moment to brush some rose petals off the bed, though instead of sitting down, he returned to staring out the balcony doors for a moment longer.

He turned at her bathroom comment, looking over at her with amusement. “I suppose that can be arranged come morning, though I’ll have to invade your sacred time and join you. It just sounds too nice to pass up.” He agreed, though it was quickly followed by a scoff, “Excuse you, I am just as good at interior decorating as he is. Who do you think planned our engagement ball?!” Nilo was being dramatic, but he was more teasing than anything, humored by her response, “Some of us are crown princes who have work schedules the devil crafted himself. Hell, I don’t even have a schedule, most of it is just day by day.”

“But fine, you can fight Theodore’s man for him… I’m sure they’d love that. Since he’s totally into women and all.” He joked, propping a hand on his hip while his eyes followed her around as she lit candles and finally to the bed, where she gestured for him to join her. Instead of vaulting onto the bed and sending petals flying as his childish side told him to do, Nilo walked around the other side and moved to sit next to her, their legs pressed together while the room danced with the shadowy flames. “We’ll finish our room soon, it’s not like we’re truly on a time schedule, now are we? It’ll be so cozy when it’s done though… our dogs can have their corner, we can have our dinner table, little sitting area, and whatever else we want. It’ll be such a nice place to live in.”

They might not have limited time to decorate their room, but the man hoped to spend plenty of time finishing up their room as soon as he got the time. Seeing his old room decorated so beautifully made him want it for their own home, as odd as that sounded. “So, is there anything else you wish to grill me about, any questions you are just dying to ask me?” Nilo inquired, looking over at her, “Or are you finally going to tell me about all these dreams of yours that you mentioned earlier? I’d like to hear what you think, since apparently I have a dream deficiency.” He wanted to see it through her eyes and maybe even adopt some of them for himself.

He just… wanted to know. He was curious to see what she wanted, since they had lived such different lives up until that point. “You’ve already got your nifty little schedule, some hobbies to keep you occupied when you’re not at work. You’re married, have some friends, and a steady career, so what could you want beyond that?” Nilo was curious, which was clear by the questions he asked as if the answers would help him put to rest some of his own internal inquiries, which he evidently had since he had been asked about his own wants for his future.

As he moved next to her, Gennadius slipped her arm behind his back, leaning her head against his shoulder. “It will be absolutely perfect,” she agreed, eyes closing briefly. “I look forward to finishing it with you. And then we can move on to setting up the work office so you can stay nearby.” Releasing a pleased breath, she tilted her head back to gaze up at Nilo’s face, free hand reaching up so she could run her fingers along his cheek, tracing the familiar jawline.

A soft chuckle escaped her at his words and she shook her head. “I do not think you have a dream deficiency. I am sure you have plenty locked up in that head and heart of yours. Or maybe you just never got the chance to think beyond the now. And even if you don’t have any other dreams, that’s alright too.” Her fingers moved to trace over his shirt above his heart, the motion meant to be slow and soothing while she thought over her own dreams.

Another soft laugh escaped her at the way he worded it and she paused in her motions. “You make it sound as though I’m greedy.” She gave him a playful shove before settling back against him, tilting her head back to stare up at the pink canopy. Theodore had left no stone unturned, that was for sure. “But I will tell you that I am grateful and love everything I have right now. I wouldn’t want to trade away my hobbies, or my friends. And I certainly wouldn't want to change my marriage.” She grinned, back to tracing around his shirt, though she never mentioned her career. At the end of the day, she wanted to be out on the field, moving, defending, leading. But in her mind, it was a small sacrifice and in truth, she did not dream of something beyond simply because it wasn’t possible.

“My dreams are all things I want to see happen in the future I suppose. Some are rather silly, I guess, others mean everything to me.” She stretched her legs for a moment, arching her back before settling against him once more, her arm falling into her lap. “One day I would love to have a family with you. That’s probably one of the biggest ones, honestly. Get to make something I never had, you know? Though I’m pretty sure I would make the world’s worst mother.” She laughed and gave a small shrug.

“Beyond that, I would love to one day finally feel like I fit in to your court. Don’t get me wrong, they are all close friends of mine and I have no doubts that in their eyes, I am one of them. But it would be nice to one day at least be somewhat tolerable to the nobility. I dream of being able to stand by your side at one of the events, and mingle without you having to worry about me. To actually be able to not get drunk or spill a drink on someone’s dress because they irritated me.” She gave him a half-grin, her eyes sparkling with the amusing stories that she was sure had caused her husband more than enough stress.

“On the sillier side of the spectrum, I am just dying to start a weapon collection. There are so many stunning designs out there and the kinds of weapons? The variants of swords themselves, but axes as well, daggers, others.” She let out a breath of pure contentment to be talking about one of her favorite subjects. “I can make swords and daggers but I’m really only good with one kind of sword. Most others take too much strength and power to make that I don’t have. Besides, even with my sword now, I needed to have other people do certain parts of it. I have a few designs I would love to try, scattered around and all, but I simply don’t have the skills for it.”

Her head turned to look at him again as she paused. “But I would also love to do some traveling with you. Even if it is just here for some summers. And you and I need to find the fastest horses in the stables and do some horse racing.” Gennadius absently played with his shirt as she released a happy sigh, finally falling silent.

Nilo let out a scoff as she shoved him, though his words were not the best chosen. “You know I didn’t mean it that way!” He exclaimed, rubbing his shoulder as if she had actually hurt him, “I just don’t think beyond those means myself,” He justified with an amused huff, though he quieted quickly to listen to her talk, curious and looking forward to his question being answered. The prince had never thought beyond the basics, as he had mentioned, so he was looking forward to hearing what she wanted in her future and how it differed from his more simple vision.

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her against his side. For a moment, he pressed his nose to the top of her hair, breathing the woman in while she talked to him softly in the dark. He wanted to know everything she wanted, big and small, whether it was something she thought was silly or meaningful. As of now, Nilo planned on spending his life with her and he hoped they would last forever and longer. He knew not all relationships were meant to be, that not all lasted forever, but he also knew they wouldn’t just let their relationship die and it was one of his favorite things about what they had.

She wanted a family, which was expected, as they had touched on it long ago. Though Nilo doubted she would be as terrible a mother as she claimed. Her heart was soft and she was kind. The man had faith in her. He had known that she wanted to be comfortable amongst the nobility, as in the beginning there had been a lack of respect for her, but he knew that would come with time. The more they got used to her, the less hostile they would be. Especially now that she was their princess and future queen. It was the one good thing about the status. They would want to be on her good side.

He leaned his head against the headboard, continuing to listen quietly, clearly hearing every word she was saying. Nilo was glad she was excited about some things, that there were dreams she wanted for herself. There was a fear of his that he was forcing her into something she didn’t want when it came to the crown. He was afraid of her being miserable and of everything crashing and burning. Because he knew monarchy was never what she had wanted, but it was a condition that had come with marrying him. There were days he felt horrible about it, but there were times like these that were reassuring.

She was happy now and that was all he would ever care about. “Horse racing? Who says I want to do anything competitive with you? You’re crazy!” He looked at her incredulously with a cocked brow, but the facade quickly shattered into a grin. She knew he loved riding with her, though the occasion only occurred once in a great while, “It’s unfortunate your horse is leeching off of mine at the moment.” He teased and bumped their shoulders together, blue eyes shining with his humor and content in the dark, “Wicke shoots off faster than an arrow. Perks of fine breeding and extensive training.”

“But on the subject of hobbies, I think I’d like to get back into gardening. Do some plants out on the balcony and return to being the garden’s designer. Maybe get a topiary or two that I can cut into a certain shape. A little sword bush for you,” Nilo suggested jokingly, gaze falling onto a candle as he watched the flames dance, “I used to attend a lot of balls and nighttime socials, but I’m just too tired for that nowadays. I’m twenty-three and I sleep earlier and longer than my father does, what blasphemy!” He sighed, frowning for a moment though the happy mood was certainly not lost.

“I used to go on night or morning runs with Flower, maybe I’ll start doing that again. I was exercising a lot more about half a year ago. I miss that.” Nilo chuckled, reaching over to squeeze at one of his arms, which was less shapely than it had once been, “Plus, I am going stir crazy in that castle. I hadn’t been outside for days before this trip. Days. I was about to combust. I suppose I haven’t been very good at balancing work and home, though I don't have a set schedule… so that isn’t exactly helpful.” It was the ridiculously chaotic life of a prince.

He shrugged. “Ah, but who cares about that!” He gave her shoulders a squeeze and pressed a kiss to the top of her head, “No need to concern myself with the boring life of a prince when I’m on a fun, spontaneous vacation with you.” Nilo grinned, gesturing to the grand room they had set up for them, “A nice little trip in this… super romantically set up room. It somewhat reminds me of the wedding chamber plans they were trying to shove at me for our first night married. Thank the Gods I took us out here instead.” There was a laugh at the memories.

Gennadius grinned at the man as her head dipped slightly with a warm laugh. “Maybe a little,” she admitted to the accusation of being crazy, her eyes glowing with her pleasure at their conversation and time together, settling back in against him to continue playing with his shirt. Another grin was given as she was displaced by his shoulder bumping into hers, earning a mock glare. But she was more than content, watching him as he became animated talking about his own hobbies and enjoyments in life.

Fingers reached up, playing with the red strands that were closest to her. “It might do both you and the balcony some wonders if you did,” she commented, curious what the man would come up with. She could do some interior decorating to a point, and was rather good at organizing, but plants were far beyond her. That said, she enjoyed watching Nilo mess with them, and she would never be able to forget the first time he proudly showed his garden to her or what a cozy and stunning area it truly was.

Curling a strand around her finger, she released a hum as she pulled her hand back and trailed it across his cheek, watching his face with fondness. Gennadius melted into the kiss that was placed on her forehead as he gave her a squeeze and switched the conversation to the wonderful moment that they were getting to share together now. Though the mention of their wedding night caused her to lean back, swatting at his shoulder as she lifted her chin. “I will have you know that I handled it quite well. You might have been better off doing to romantic room, lulling me into the zone and then just telling me to trust you.”

Truth was, she remembered that night with a great amount of amusement. “You certainly are terrible at explaining things, I will give you that,” she grinned, clearly not the least bit upset by that night. “But I suppose you made it right in the end. Barely.” She gave a playful brow wiggle as she rolled out of his reach considering she had yet again insulted him in the name of fun. “I think you could have done a better job at representing the whole thing and all, but I was satisfied the next day, so I suppose that is what counts.”

Having moved to the foot of the bed, she sat with her legs crossed and leaned forward. “And as a note to your schedule, I just think you need to get back into the swing. And who knows, maybe you won’t be so tired for another ball. I know you absolutely love those annoying events.” Her head tilted as she smiled, the candlelight flickering off her face and the golden strands that had fallen out of the messy tail she had thrown it in to get to the castle.

Reaching her fingers up, she threaded the tie out and tossed it to the side before resting her elbows on her knees and grinning at the man, the pose comfortable but somewhat exposed when one is only wearing a robe. “Though I do admit you were killer on our honeymoon. Of course, I will forever hold a grudge against you throwing me into the ocean. I should have dragged you into the lake after all.” She landed her hand on his leg, giving it an affectionate pat. “But no worries, I will get you back one of these days, you can be sure of that.”

She picked up one of the petals that were on the bed, examining it before playfully tossing it towards him. Not that it got very far, catching air and floating back onto the bed. Scooting closer to him, she stretched herself out until she was on top of him, extending her body over his as she rested her chin on his chest. “I can’t wait to see you gardening again, you know that?” It was a random remark and a jump back to the previous conversation but she brought it up anyway. “See my husband getting all dirty and dusty, and of course, I know you’re always happy when you’re out there. I may even start coming and bugging you while you work.”

Her hand working up his shirt before she suddenly sat up, the man’s waist straddled between her legs as she looked suddenly rather peeved. She gave his shirt a tug before narrowing her eyes at him. “These shirts Nilo. They are everything anti-romantic, you realize that right? I do not want to snuggle up to your shirt, I want to snuggle up to you” She gave it another peeved tug. “I remember the days when you didn’t wear shirts and now, I have to fight them.” Not that was actually angry, but she did lift a brow and look at him as if to demand an explanation.