Nilo snorted as she recalled his etiquette, or lack of thereof when she returned. Oh yes, he remembered all too well how he’d eyes her coldly over a glass of wine, raising it to his lips as a challenge because he knew how disgusted she was by alcohol. It had been a rather rude move on his part, but the man had hoped he made up for it by following her out into the rain and telling her just how much he had missed her. They might have fallen hard and fast, but it didn’t mean his feelings had been any less valid. No, the year they spent together had only served to help grow and solidify what had already been there.

“I look forward to your reminding me every day,” Nilo replied, placing a kiss on the top of her head, “just as much as I look forward to reminding the world that you are my wife. Everyone must know that I snagged the most perfect of women, even if she didn’t understand forks until a week or two ago. That was almost a deal-breaker, you know?” He joked with a laugh, “And I do plan on you keeping me on my toes. I refuse to spend the rest of my life fake laughing in my own castle.” The man's broad smile never left his face as he spoke and it was clear they were simply a couple of lovesick loons.

The quiet only stretched between them for a few moments before she spoke again and the man was grateful for it, listening intently. Only with her was the man content with silence, but tonight he wanted to talk. Nilo wanted to unfold her further if that was even possible. He was aware he would never know everything about her, but that only meant he would forever be searching for every quirk, hidden trait, and even random, useless talents. Nilo would spend his life exploring the sea that was his wife and loving every moment of it.

But as she spoke of the stars, the man watched her as if nothing else was more important. Her soft murmur was intoxicating and pleasing to the ear and he realized he could have listened to her talk forever in that dreamy way. There was something beautiful about it, as if there could truly be a star just for them out there, nestled among the millions. “Perhaps there is my darling,” Nilo responded, “and we may never know which one it is, but I’m sure it’s just as beautiful as the rest.” Eyes drifted back up to the stars as if to search for the one she spoke of.

As she began to point at a constellation, the man squinted, following as her fingers traced over a set of stars. Nilo could almost see the lines between them, but he had no clue how it related to a lion, not that he cared. No, he still listened like an overly eager student watching as she pointed them out. “It just looks like a crap ton of stars, but I’ll take your word for it,” A puff of laughter escaped him, “Although, I could listen to you talk about stars all night. Perhaps I should book some astronomy lessons with you as my teacher.” Nilo playfully suggested.

The man rolled over, throwing an arm over her middle and resting the side of his face against her chest, listening to her heartbeat for several moments before at least giving a response. “You have always been more of a lion than I was,” He pointed out, knowing full well she was as ferocious as it got, “Perhaps it means you were meant to carry my last name,” The man offered with a humored grin, “The fierce veteran turned princess that happens to be my little lioness.” Nilo purred, nestling closer, “Though I do suppose I have the red hair thing going for me. So yes, I do think it is perfect.” He gave a content sigh, knowing that even just for the night, all was right with the world.

“Whenever you’re ready, we have a room waiting for us, though I hope you don’t mind that I didn’t book an inn,” Nilo told her, lifting himself up so he loomed over her, grinning. He figured he could let her on the next part, simply because the looming silhouette of the castle was seen as they approached. “I hear there’s an empty castle on this countryside. Apparently, it’s been abandoned for a few years now…” The man trailed, with ever a flair for dramatics, “And it appears I have come in contact with a set of keys, how fascinating!”

Though, the man couldn’t resist his laugh, unable to contain his elation. “I had someone clean my room so we weren’t eaten by dust bunnies,” Nilo reassured, knowing the place was well-kept, but no doubt filled with dust, “I thought I might be nice to have someplace to ourselves for once. No staff or any other inhabitants besides the guards at the perimeter.” He offered her a soft kiss before falling back onto the blanket again, eyes refocusing on the sky. “There’s no rush though.” He added in a murmur.

Strong arms came around her as she shifted, holding the woman close. A low rumble of laughter escaped him as she claimed she never wanted to leave, though the man couldn’t help but agree. It was beautiful out there, the bright stars and gentle rusting of the trees to keep them company. The man may have been content staying there all night as long as it meant he got to have her, but a part of him wanted to go back to the castle. He wanted to remember where they began, in the square room that was nearly bare, with a sheet covering the only couch.

“We can always come back in the summertime before it gets cold or perhaps even next spring. I’m sure we could have another small trip out here, even if it’s only a couple of days. We can even swim if it’s hot enough.” Nilo reassured, knowing this probably wouldn’t be the last time they ran off in search of the lake, though they would have duties to perform once they returned. Even so, he planned on stealing the woman away for more adventures in the future. What was the fun in being married if you couldn’t go off galavanting now and then? Not that they wouldn’t find plenty of entertainment in the castle, that is.

As she straddled him again, hands instinctively rested on her hips. The man looked up at her with a silly smile, teeth flashing white in the shadow her body cast over him. Unexpectedly, the woman took charge again, lips crashing against his in a way that was sinfully intoxicating. Though it was all over too soon as she pulled away and scrambled off of him, bolting for the horses. The man let out a displeased growl then a laugh, springing to his feet and snatching the blanket as he sprinted after her. “Don’t break centuries-old architecture!” He called out after her, savoring the thrill of it all.

Nilo chased after his wife on horseback, urging the equine to go as fast as it possibly could. Gennadius had an advantage and the man was aware he was probably going to lose, but he wasn’t going to give up without a fight. Not when he was having so much fun. The prince didn’t even holler as he followed her in, dashing through the gates before they could close on him. He nearly groaned as he realized they had to put their own horses away. The stablehands were only around during the day to tend to the few horses left on the country estate, so they were left with the work.

Usually, he wouldn’t mind, but this time there was the spirit of competition. The man nearly tore the saddle from the horse and threw it on the rack before stripping it of the rest of it’s gear. Once it was safe in its stall the prince charged after her with a fury, the bag thrown hastily over his shoulder. “You wouldn’t dare lock a prince out of his own bedroom!” Nilo called, knowing very well that if by some chance she was there first, she certainly would. The woman didn’t have the keys though, so that was a plus. Although…. She could actually break down the door. He wouldn’t put it past her.

“Gennadius!” The man called her name playfully, “Get back here!” He knew full well she wasn’t going to come back, so he tried to do the best he could with what he had. Which wasn't much, but his legs were longer. When they got closer to the door he made the fatal mistake of not slowing down, which sent the man barreling into his wife. With a grunt, the man managed to catch them both before they slammed into the cobblestone path. Nilo cursed as he righted them both, though held a firm hand around her, successfully trapping her for the time being. Emphasis on time being.

“Now, you are not breaking into the castle, nor are you locking me out of my room,” He demanded, though it was clear the words were said in humor, “If you decide to attempt to do so, I will have no choice but to sack carry you all the way through the castle like the little rebel you are.” He threatened, before releasing her and stepping away to grab the keyring, lest she try and take it to further her mischief ladden agenda. Slipping it into the lock, Nilo turned the key and with a satisfying click, the pair were let into the halls of their former home.

The prince offered her his hand, interlacing their fingers. It was both a gesture of affection and an attempt to keep her from dashing off into the dark. No sconces were lit and only faint moonlight illuminated the halls, leaving them a shadowy darkness. “Home sweet home,” Nilo chuckled, keys giving a soft jingle where they sat in his other hand, “Hard to believe it’s been three years. I wonder if we’ll ever move back.” He commented as they moved through the halls, for even in the dark he knew the halls by heart.

“It’ll be prettier in the morning, but I guess for now we’re stuck with this. AT least the moonlight will flood in through my balcony.” Nilo gave a soft chuckle as his room came into sight with the guard room right next to it with the adjoining door. He broke away from her to unlock it, opening it with a dramatic flourish. “Isn’t it just as luxurious as you remember?” He asked sarcastically, knowing the interior was rather bare. The bed was made, but the lone couch was still covered in a sheet, as was the stone statue that no longer bore a sword. Just was bare as he left it.

Gennadius was running for all she was worth towards the door. Did she plan on breaking it down? No, but she enjoyed panicking the man in some good fun. Now, she knew her legs were shorter and he was probably faster than her anyway, so the woman was counting on the fact that she had a head start. Though it clearly wasn’t enough as a large body came barreling into her, nearly sending them sprawling to the ground.

Her laughter filled the night as he managed to right them, dark eyes sparkling merrily. “I would never lock you out of your room,” she purred, held tightly in his grasp, head tilting. “Though I may lock you out of our room.” She stilled in his grasp to allow him to let her go and get the keys, “And I will have you know that I would gladly beat you over the top of the head if you tried such a stunt.” Well, she would certainly squirm and probably laugh her way the rest of the way.

The hand that was offered her was gladly taken, grinning happily as they started through the halls. “We could always make it a summer home,” she offered, leaning into him as they went, glancing at the keys that jingled as the sound echoing through the empty halls. Her steps were in sync with his, familiar with the halls as well, and enjoying the nostalgic and yet new exciting feeling that was coming with it. “Or better yet, a fall or winter home so you can enjoy your garden over there for summer and spring. I wouldn’t want to steal you from your petal covered friends.” She gave a soft chuckle before her gaze landed on the familiar wooden door.

She smiled at his mention of the morning beauty, knowing it certainly would look splendid. But she was content for how things were tonight, releasing him so he could let them into the room. Stepping in, she released a soft breath, glancing around with a grin, “I think it is even more so. You shouldn’t have decorated it just for me.” Her voice was teasing as she spun in place, content with the emptiness and the familiarity it brought. Of course, it never took much to please her. A roof and a sheet could leave her perfectly pleased.

“But, if we want to make it even cozier,” Gennadius trailed as she moved over to the couch, folding the sheet to capture the dust in it instead of sending it through the pretty much cleaned room. Moving it to the corner of the room, she turned to gaze at the man like she had completed some great task, though it was in fun. “What do you think? Now we have a usable couch to use at our discretion. A must for a midnight stay, don’t you agree?” Not that she thought they planned on using it really but it was aesthetically pleasing without the sheet.

As her last gesture to ‘pretty the room up’ she stepped over to his balcony to make sure the curtains were opened all the way, allowing the moonlight to fully light up the room with its soft glow. Turning, she stepped over to her husband, throwing her arms around his shoulders, smiling as dark eyes roved over his face, taking in the perfect features in gentle light. It seemed to illuminate his eyes, or perhaps it was something else? She wasn’t sure, nor did she care, simply enjoying the ability to stare into them.

And she did for a few seconds before she moved to her toes to gently kiss him. It only lasted a second before she lowered herself, smile soft before she let out another elated laugh, turning them around and backing up to the bed. Not that she had any plans past flopping down but it seemed like a worthy endeavor anyway. So that’s where she went gripping tightening until the back of her legs hit the frame. Happiness was bubbling off her as she fell back, just letting gravity pull her down onto the mattress with her arms pulling Nilo down with her.

Her lips found his again as she chuckled against them, releasing her hold to gently rest a hand to his chest, fingers absently playing with a button. She broke away for a breath, look admiring and passionate as her gaze shifted to the button. “You know,” she purred, “I guess someone can say this is the first place we slept together.” A soft chuckle followed as she continued to mess with the button of his shirt, almost as if debating popping it out, which she wasn’t, just fiddling. Dark eyes lifted to light glacial ones before her own phrase rolled around through her head for a second time and she suddenly blushed, hand pausing.

“I...” She dared to find his gaze again as she scooted to actually sit on the bed, releasing him as her fingers ran through her own hair for a moment, face red as she gave another soft snort. The young woman looked like a nervous school girl, occasionally looking at his face before her eyes would fall to her hands and bounce back up his body to his eyes, and then to a wall. “I admit I don’t know what that really means.” She gave a girlish shrug and an embarrassed smile. “I... uhhh... I guess books don’t tell you everything, huh? I guess lover has always meant advanced snuggle friend to me... I just... never understood advanced snuggling?” She attempted to put it in a better way before she gave him the most pathetic, embarrassed, and hopeful look in one.

Nilo deposited the bag on the chest at the end of the bed, which he doubted held anything inside it anymore. Maids came in once a week to tidy the place and keep the moths and rats away, but that was it. Everything was covered in every room and at the six-month mark, it would be deep cleaned. It was odd for the man to think that the castle just sat, looming over the countryside when there used to be so much life in it. Although, the man didn’t think about it long, his attention turning back to his wife.

He chuckled as she swept the seat from the couch, taking it over the corner of the room. “Yes, I think an uncovered couch is a necessary addition.” He chuckled, watching as she moved to open the curtains, “We did actually use this castle as a summer retreat, though we lived here until we were five. I guess my parents liked the fact it was quiet and offered a slower lifestyle than that of the city so they chose to raise their children here until they were a little older.” Nilo explained, referencing her earlier suggestion as he leaned against one of the bed's posts, “But don’t hold me to that, it’s been so long since I asked. Not to mention I’ve always preferred the city.”

The grin returned to his face as her arms came up and around his shoulders, her eyes boring into his. Any onlookers probably would have been disgusted by the overly adoring way they looked at each other, but they wouldn’t have cared even if they weren’t in private. They were young newlyweds who had never been more in love. And when she pecked his lips his smile only widened into the kiss before he allowed himself to be led over to the bed, barely catching himself on his palms with a loud laugh.

The man found humor in the way she chuckled into the kiss as if she couldn’t help herself, which only served to enamor him more as he leaned into her lips. The contact was soft and slow like the couple had no worries in the world except for each other and the moment they shared. To say the man was happy was an understatement. He was ecstatic and was incapable of feeling anything other than pure adoration and love for the woman who lay beneath him. When she pulled away from him again eyes widened at the comment she made and a nervous laugh escaped him. If only she knew…

And apparently, she did. Her face reddened and Nilo lifted himself off of her as she pulled away. He sat on the edge of the bed next to her, icy eyes watching her patiently as she tried to form words. There wasuncertainty and embarrassment in her gaze, but all his face held was an innocent curiosity. But when she finally spoke again it was his turn to redden some, a pink blush creeping over his nose and fanning out onto his cheeks. He hoped the room's shadows hid it. Personally, the man didn’t know what to do or say. How was he even supposed to go about this?

Then it only got worse, making it blatantly clear she had absolutely no clue what couples did behind closed doors. Snuggling? Had she really just… Another nervous laugh escaped him, though it was quiet and made him sound more anxious. Not to mention, when her eyes found his, she seemed like she wanted some form of guidance. Which was awful, for him at least. How was he supposed to give her an in-depth explanation without making it sound like the most unpleasant experience one could have. Was that possible? Nilo wasn’t sure, but he also knew he was the only one she probably felt comfortable enough to rely on.

If only she had asked Bea… “You are… wrong. In many ways, but I supposed you are correct in a few. There is certainly closeness with your chosen lover, though it would be wrong to tell you that’s all that involved.” Nilo admitted, gaze falling to the bed as he desperately tried to keep his face from heating. A hand came up to scratch at his jaw before moving into his hair, fingers threatening through the red strands. The man probably knew just about everything there was to know about the topic, yet his mouth felt dry and he was at a loss for words. It was different when you were trying to educate your wife on your wedding night of all things.

Hell, the man had told Adaira all about it years ago, so how different was this? Very… and the man knew that. It was much different when you actually planned on sleeping with that person. He exhaled with a shaky sigh. “So I’m assuming you don’t know much, huh?” Nilo’s question was rhetorical and the man decided he was just going to have to suck it up. It was either that or the two could awkwardly dance around it forever, which would only serve to be exhausting. “Would you like me to tell you about it?” Nilo offered, clearly tentative, “I would suggest learning by just doing, but I wouldn’t want you to be blinded and overly anxious. That’s not fair.” He explained, dealing with his fidgeting fingers by folding them in his lap.

He sighed again. “I’m going to give you some forewarning though, if you do want me to,” He began to add, raising his gaze to find hers, “It’s going to be awkward and honest, you are probably going to freak out because I’m not expecting to be a good teacher,” Nilo admitted with a frown, but knew it was best to be honest, “but we can laugh about it and figure it out, okay? Just like we always do. I won’t bite, I promise.” And finally, some of his humor returned, though he still wasn’t feeling very confident.

A sheepish glance was cast his way at the anxious chuckle, her hand coming to the back of her neck before her fingers rested against the bed, picking at the blanket. “I mean, I get that it isn’t snuggling,” she fumbled as he admitted she was wrong. “I... I just don’t know what it is.” Dark eyes stared at the floor, growing nervous as there was a pause as if he was trying to figure out what to say.

Gennadius shook her head, “Nothing really.” Something told her that he already knew that and was more of repeating the phrase out loud to himself, but she felt the need to answer anyway. Or at least confirm. She was still fidgeting, toe of her boot scuffing against the ground. She knew it eventually would have come up anyway considering she did at least know it was something expected of married couples. But part of her was starting to wish she hadn’t brought it up yet.

The way he brought up just showing her caused her to look up at him. Was it something that one could just show? But the way he talked about going in blinded did make her anxious and she wasn’t very sure if she wanted to just start something having no idea what was happening or what she was to expect. One thing was certain of at this point, it was clearly more complicated than she had anticipated and she was getting the feeling it involved some sort of intimacy she had yet to be exposed to. What she would have done in that moment to have had a female influence that could have helped her with this BEFORE her wedding night.

Blue eyes met lighter ones as the man came with his warning. Freak out? What the hell did this entail?! When she had mentioned not knowing what it was, she had expected some sort of simple pleasant little fuzzy explanation. Not an awkward husband and warnings. “Some of the things we laugh about weren’t pleasant,” she pointed out with uncertainty, recalling the time she had attacked him in one of the spare rooms and the time she had gotten drunk. Neither had been enjoyable for either at the time though they found them funny. “But I guess I should let you talk...”

And she let him talk and so all the explaining he needed without a word. Not because she had nothing to say, but because she was too busy trying to digest the information, facial expressions constantly changing. There was bewilderment, followed by some confusion, a flash of horror, and somewhere along the line she flat-lined, not a single feature on her face twitching as if she had gone into shock. Her mind was scrambling to make sense of it all, or rather decide why this was something people would do. Well, the logistics of it made sense... population was important. But otherwise.

Of course, he did try and explain that aspect of it and why it was a thing. But dark eyes only blinked at him, for a moment lip twitching up as if to ask if this was just some really complex joke. That expression quickly died, realizing how embarrassed he was with explaining it. No... this was very serious. Her arms crossed over her chest almost protectively as she shifted her gaze to stare out the balcony. He seemed to be saying such contradicting ideas. On one hand, it sounded awful, and yet here he was advocating for it saying it wasn’t actually a bad thing and would be something she found enjoyable.

And that earned him the most incredulous look as the whole talk came to an end. Her mouth moved as if to speak but there was no sound at first, jaw clamping shut. A sigh was released as a hand ran through her hair. On one hand, logically it just bothered her. On the other, she trusted Nilo and knew he wouldn’t do anything to cause her harm or discomfort. “I... I wasn’t expecting that,” she admitted, face never having recovered from its red hue.

Gennadius finally lifted her gaze to meet his, uncertainty flashing across the dark orbs for a moment. It all came down to this... was she going to take the man for his word or trust her own instincts? The woman knew she could push it off, ask to just think about it and try and return to the euphoria the night had been offering. But she knew she had accidently created an awkwardness that would not just disappear and she knew, deep down, if she didn’t decide now, she may never do so. And that would just be unfair to him.

“Okay.”

The word hung in the air as she took in a breath, reaching out to take his hand, giving a small shaky nod. The woman could face an army with nothing but her sword and she would look and feel more confident than she was at this moment. But she looked determined at least... well, she hoped she did because deep down she was frightened. This was a new level of trust and a relationship beyond anything she had ever imagined and she had yet to truly understand the beauty of it. “I’m sure of this,” she told him, wanting to put his own uncertainties to rest about how she felt about it all, knowing Nilo would be more than willing to wait if that’s what she really wanted.

“Show me... tonight.”

To say it had gone awful was an understatement. The man was a spluttering mess with a blush to match as he tried to explain everything and not horrify her, which he failed miserably. It was clear he was desperately grasping at straws, his words full of contradictions. Part of it had sounded downright awful and unpleasant, but then he spoke of it as if it were something thrilling and intimate. Nilo knew what it was like, but Gennadius did not, which made it all extremely difficult. They had avoided it with the silent understanding they would be waiting until marriage.

Well, that just did them terribly well didn’t it? Now here they were, on their wedding night, having what was possibly the most awkward conversation they had ever endured. They had talked about children and futures rather early on and they had been perfectly comfortable. Now, why was this so goddamn awkward?! Nilo was frustrated, not with her, but just in general. Frustrated because he couldn’t properly get his point across and that he was unintentionally confusing her in the process and no doubt making the situation worse.

Fingers fisted in his hair as he finished talking, clamping his mouth shut before he said anything more ridiculous. Hell, he had nearly convinced himself it was some sort of disgusting, unnatural act. Nilo nibbled on his lip, eyes flashing to hers briefly as she spoke an uneasy sentence. “I… yeah…” He trailed, unsure of what to say, “Sorry, that was worse than expected on my part. I expected…” I expected that because this used to be my favorite pastime I would be an expert in explaining it but doing and explaining are two totally different things… “this to go smoother.” He settled, eyes roaming everywhere but to hers.

Okay? What did that mean? The man could have never been more grateful for the hand that took his and felt even more like an idiot that suddenly she was the one reassuring him. She was nervous… Suddenly the man felt bad, realizing how scary it must sound, especially to someone who had never been in any sort of relationship and who had no guidance. There was a lot of newness to it all with the prince as well, but it could never compare to what she was certainly feeling. So, he forced his eyes to meet hers and reached out to take her other hand as well, interlacing their fingers so their palms were pressed together. The least he could do was offer quiet support.

Again she spoke and the man listened, head tilting in his confusion. Her newfound, but shaky confidence, was reassuring, simply because the man didn’t want to drive her away from the concept. It wasn’t as bad as it seemed in all honesty, but he knew she would have to discover that for herself. If only he could have portrayed it how he had intended… it would have been so much easier. Nilo was silent, not knowing what to tell her, how to try and fix this awkward hole that had been dug.

“Show me... tonight.”

Her words sent a shiver up his spine and his eyes closed briefly. When their gazes reconnected the man took a breath and leaned forward, noses brushing as their foreheads pressed together. “I’ve got you.” Nilo murmured against her lips before sealing them with his, guiding her onto her back with ever-cautious hands, shifting so his body loomed over hers. “I’ve got you.” He reassured again as he pulled away, instead moving to leave a trail of kisses down her jaw, “I’ll go slow… careful… gentle… you name it darling,” Nilo purred, a hand coming up to thread into her hair.

The man laughed, low and husky against her neck, “I’ll treat you better than a queen tonight,” Every movement slow and deliberate as to not startle her or push too far. He wanted nothing more than for her to enjoy her night wrapped in his embrace, to love and be loved. Nilo lifted his head to cover her lips in another searing kiss filled with his passion. When he finally broke away, his eyes grew serious. “Ask me any questions and don’t be afraid of telling me to stop. Never be afraid of telling me to stop.” His gaze searched hers for a moment, waiting for a confirmation before his head dipped again, claiming her lips with his.

Nilo’s desire was clear in the way his kisses were smoldering, but as was his tenderness in the way a hand caressed her side before traveling to give her thigh a gentle squeeze. “My heart, body, and soul are yours to keep forever,” The man promised when they broke away for breath. Icy eyes filled adoration found those of midnight blue, the man offering a smile that was soft, yet fond. “And nothing,” He murmured, “nothing would make me happier than making love to you, Gennadius Van Aslan.”

Light eyes fluttered open for the first time the sound of her voice, though the man hadn’t been sleeping for quite a while. No, he had been gently pulled from his slumber to feel curious fingers rove over his skin and into his hair, the woman pausing to snuggle closer before exploring his features once more as if she were unable to help herself. The display was adorable and the man had found himself hard-pressed not to grin, for fear she would stop once he completely woke up. So it was half-conscious the man stayed until her lips touched his and her voice found his ears.

He blinked the grogginess away as she began to speak, eyes sparkling as she explained yesterday's events, pausing here and there to offer him a kiss. Nilo chuckled against her lips and returned her concluding gesture, happy that she was happy. The amount of trust she had placed in him last night had been astounding and the man had done everything he could to make her feel comfortable. Nilo had wanted her to enjoy herself and by how elated she seemed it looked as if the man had succeeded.

“Your husband? Hmmm…” Nilo trailed for a moment, voice rough with sleep, “I suppose I can’t say such scandalous rumors aren’t true anymore, since it seems we have slept together unless last night was an extremely vivid hallucination.” He laughed and everything seemed to be sugarcoated in the most wonderful of ways. He was relaxed, with his mind clear of every thought but her and how much he loved every bit of her she had to offer him. His hand reached out to interlace their fingers, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles before giving her hand a squeeze.

The man was well aware their wedding night had been no hallucination, for never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined something so precious and tender. He leaned forward, placing a kiss on the bridge of her nose before pressing his lips to hers once more, unable to get enough of her. “I love you,” Nilo purred when he broke away, wearing a tender smile, “and I could not be a happier man. I meant every word I said last night.” He told her, words echoing with adoring truth as he pulled her closer again, pressing his nose to the top of her head.

In a way, it had been new to him as well. It had been the first time in his life he shared himself with someone he actually loved. There had been sensitive touches, the words said back and forth playing between adoring whispers and declarations dressed in Cheshire grins. It was meaningful, it was sharing an intimate experience with someone you loved and trusted. It wasn’t just chasing pleasure. It had been the means of forging a deeper connection with his wife and completely giving himself to her, and her only.

“I had a feeling you wouldn’t be quiet for very long, though I suppose if you wake me up like that every morning, I can’t complain,” Nilo commented with a grin, revealing that he had been awake, or at least somewhat. “I could hear that mind of yours thinking. All good thoughts I hope” The man chuckled again before his head turned towards the curtains where light peeked through, but he could not tell what time it was, though he assumed late morning to early afternoon given her habit of not sleeping in.

Well, technically they had slept in, the man knowing so since they had been up at dawn, the memory causing him to blink in a stunned manner for a moment before refocusing on her. “Funny how,” He rolled onto his back, though his head stayed turned in her direction, “you can be up all night, yet still wake up rather early considering. Seems I must work harder next time.” Nilo snorted softly, reaching out to play with a few strands of her hair, which was probably about as wild as is. It was if he couldn’t go mere seconds without touching her, the man thoroughly enamored with everything about her.

“We can go get pastries from that baker in town if you’re hungry or we can just stay in bed for now,” Nilo suggested, snuggling deeper into the covers, feeling a cold draft hit his bare skin, “It’s whatever option pleases you, my darling, your wish is my command.” They would have to get up eventually, knowing that they would have to head off for their honeymoon, but there was no rush. The prince had given them an extra day so they could enjoy themselves and just be together. The concept of ”together” was familiar yet foreign. Although they had been together for a while, marriage certainly made things different. It made things official and opened up a new avenue of intimacy. Nilo couldn’t wait for what else it had in store.

Her eyes brightened as his opened, pleased that he was awake. Gennadius was already excited for what their first day together had in store, but she was also very interested in getting to converse with him now. There was just so much to say, to talk about, to already remember. She had gone into marrying him expecting great things, and she had been given greater things than she could have ever imagined in the very first night.

A soft laugh escaped her at his response, appreciating the roughness of his voice that came with it. “A vivid hallucination? No...” Her own voice was tender as she shifted back to her side, gladly taking the hand that reached for hers. “No, it was the most perfect and real night I’ve ever spent,” she reasoned out with him, though knew he knew better. There was no way what they had experienced was some intense dream that had only happened in their shared imagination. As real as the burning sears of the soft kisses across her knuckles.

“Mmmmm...” she hummed as he gently kissed her nose before meeting her lips. It was so surreal and she adored it, submitting to the warm arms that pulled her close, melting into her husband. “I love you too. I know you did... and I meant every one of mine.” Her face pressed against his neck as she smiled against the skin, “But I think I’m the one who couldn’t be happier. Gods, I didn’t even know this kind of joy existed.” She laughed quietly, puffs of air against him as her head shook gently. And it was true. Their relationship had been built one a deep friendship and love, and that’s where she always imagined it would stay, content in that and the closeness. But in one night she had discovered that marriage added a much deeper level to all that, and it created something so much stronger and more tender.

Revealing to her that he had been awake came as a slight surprise, though she didn’t mind. It meant he had gotten to enjoy her gentle touches as she explored his face. And that made her very pleased, realizing that he must have just been quietly enjoying the contact and allowing her to enjoy it until she was ready to wake him up. “Only ever good thoughts, the best I could possibly conjure up.”

As he rolled onto his back, Gennadius leaned towards him to keep the close contact. A warm chuckle escaped her at his words, the blush creeping back to her cheeks as she understood her first joke. Her entire face tingled with the tender gesture of twirling her hair and she closed her eyes to enjoy it. “Well next time I’ll be prepared,” she retorted light-heartedly, “and I can pull out my Colonel hat to give you a challenge.” Eyes opened twinkling, gazing at him warmly.

The woman wiggled under the blanket herself before shifting to lean her top half over his, smiling warmly down at him. Fingers reached out for his hair, again with no defined pattern, just playing with it and enjoying the feel. “I suppose we will eventually have to get up, won’t we? And it has been forever since I took you to get some pastries there, huh? I grew up with those.” Grinning, she bent her head to brush noses, “But I do believe I found something a thousand times better, coming in the flavor of Van Aslan with the sweetest nature.” Gods that was cheesy, but who the hell cared?

A contented sigh escaped her and her legs curled as she shifted to rest her cheek on his collarbone, fingers now moving across his chest, following the diagonal scar. “We do have a honeymoon to get to after all,” she hummed out her words, watching herself trace what she considered perfect skin. “And a breakfast stop sounds lovely. Who knows, maybe we will run into some of my old acquaintances and I can save you again. I’ll bet you that Dorian owns the streets these days. Probably one of the last ones to remember me.”

Her head lifted to find his eyes again, smiling happily as her arms wrapped around his neck. “And we both know when we return to the city, we are going to be tackled by your nosy court,” she chuckled, resting her forehead to his, clearly not wanting any kind of personal space. If they weren’t sharing, they weren’t close enough. “Oh! Does this mean they are my court now too? Can I steal Theodore sometimes? Hmmmm?” Gennadius couldn’t help but tease him.

She moved back to be lying beside him, hand moving across his chest as she did so, excitedly realizing just how much everything was different. “There is so much to explore Nilo!” she exclaimed with clear elation. “I mean, we get to discover ourselves on our honeymoon, just you and me. No worries about what other people think or that they are watching us. And then we have our wing we get to set up when we return. So much... and I can’t wait. And now, I have the nights to look forward to... when I don’t nearly shove you off me at one-point because I want to freak out.” She laughed, poking at his side.

“Now good sir, if you would so kindly go retrieve me that fresh set of clothes you promised, I would be ever so grateful.”