The silent silhouette stood by the window of the master bedroom. Covered by the shadows of the curtains that revealed the twilight world behind the glass windows, Benedikt tried to stay collected.
He had already finished his night routine and was now supposed to wait for Yumiko to join him in their shared bed chamber.
It wasn't that he was oblivious to the worldly desires or the humane passions. Though he had never shared any intimacy with anyone before, he knew enough to not feel utterly helpless in this current situation. However, the thought of being intimate with Yumiko made him shudder.
The unfamiliar excitement and restlessness that welled up inside of him were so intense that he was taken aback. It was almost overwhelmingly scary how the anticipation and pure desire took over his usual rationality and composure.
So he decided to stay by the window furthest from the bed, to distract his mind. Although he had felt a sense of tiredness and exhaustion from the eventful day he was now too restless to even sit down.
Benedikt hadn't felt this strange before and the unfamiliar state of mind was so bizarre to him. He couldn't imagine what Yumiko would feel now, but he knew for sure that he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable or troubled.
Sharing the bedroom would from today onwards be something very usual and normal. Just like the entire estate here on Kleingoldlinden, that was now their very own domain. Benedikt had to get used to that. It was his role and responsibility to guide Yumiko into their new life together as a married couple. He wanted to fulfil that obligation to his best abilities and knowledge.
The day has come that Benedikt was finally able to fill in the name as an Archduke over his own little island. Kleingoldlinden shall become a place worthy of Yumiko's unconstrained happiness.
As Benedikt dwelled in the thoughts of turning this island into their domain of freedom and comfort the door on the other side of the windows was opened carefully.
Benedikt was startled by the sudden noise and came forth from the curtain.
Takane-san had opened the door for Yumiko to enter the room. As she carefully walked past the door frame, Takane-san briefly glanced at Benedikt, bowed down and closed the door behind her.
Benedikt could have stayed frozen by the windows for a while longer, silently watching Yumiko as she unknowingly moved closer to him. Her arms were stretched out, anticipating any obstacle in her way.
"I'm here." His legs moved on his own as he approached her and grabbed her hands.
Upon hearing him and knowing where he was exactly, he could see her lips forming a smile.
They stood in front of each other now, holding each other's hands.
Benedikt took a brief moment to look at his wife under the soft lights of their bed chamber.
She wore a traditional yashimian nemaki, a yukata used for sleepwear. The pattern was less elaborate, but still very splendid in its colours and the noble material.
Her dark hair fell over her shoulders, long and velvety.
He could smell the floral oils and soaps that had been used for bathing coming from her.
Yumiko's cheeks were slightly flushed and Benedikt could feel the warmth radiating from her skin.
Although this was the second time they were alone, it was still the first time they were officially allowed to be with each other with no chaperone or attendant by their side.
They were supposed to be alone. And from now on, no one could question that. No one would dare disturb them as a married couple.
"I hope you can get used to this new home soon." Benedikt somehow spoke in a gentle whisper as if he unintentionally didn't want to pester the quiet moment.
"You mean our home?" Yumiko smiled and Benedikt put her left hand on his shoulder while he carefully grabbed her by the delicate waist. He began softly swaying with her, like a peaceful dance to an orchestra that only he could hear.
Yumiko followed along, still smiling.
"Pardon me, you are right. Our home."
"You've created a wonderful home, I feel at peace already."
Benedikt returned her smile warmly. It was a relief to hear that.
"Please do not waver in telling me any changes or additions you want to make." He pondered for a brief moment. "Or rather. You don't have to feel obligated to inform me about anything you want to do with the estate. After all you are the Princess, the Lady of this house and the entirety of Kleingoldlinden. Your decisions are my decisions."
Yumiko chuckled at him. "I will give my best to be a worthy Princess and Lady."
"You are already most certainly worthy enough."
"You shan't compliment me for something I haven't even done yet." She furrowed her brows slightly and pouted with her lips.
It was an adorable sight to see and Benedikt laughed delightedly. He now spun them around enthusiastically.
Yumiko joined his laughter, enjoying the twirls that they made around in the room.
"I'm just so confident in you that I don't need to have any proof to be so assured."
She shook her head. "Are you deliberately putting pressure on me?"
"I would never dare put any pressure on these delicate shoulders," Benedikt stopped twirling and gently laid his forehead on her shoulders. "For they are what I have to protect."
Benedikt could now feel her warmth on his lips and her scent so close to his nose. It made his heart flutter.
"May I see your face?" Yumiko whispered, her voice sounded so cautious that he was surprised more by her tone than the question she asked.
He straightened his back and looked at her from above.
Her expression showed her shyness as she didn't look up at him anymore. The long dark eyelashes were unmoving. But he understood.
"Yes, certainly." Benedikt led her to the bed, where he let her sit on the edge while he kneeled down before her.
"It's only fair that way, isn't it?" Benedikt smiled at her, his tone encouraging.
She finally smiled again and placed her hands on his shoulders.
"Please feel free to look however much your heart desires."
"Thank you," she whispered and began moving her hands along his shoulders.
Her slender fingers ran along the shape of his bones, her fingertips were memorising every detail of his figure, gently pressing on the collarbone. Steadily moving, like a hungry animal trying to satisfy its craving for information, leaving burning traces on his skin. As if he was the prey in front of her, helplessly watching and also mesmerised.
She then proceeded to move upwards. Benedikt could feel the heat rushing to his ears as she delicately followed his frame.
One hand remained on his collarbone while the other explored the side of his neck. That hand wandered from the back, touching where his hairline began, to the front cautiously tracing his Adam's apple and along his jawline.
Benedikt was completely still, barely breathing. His eyes were fixed on Yumiko's face as she took a look at him. Her lips stretched into an almost straight line, revealing the dimple on her left cheek. Her brows were slightly furrowed and he could tell that she was visibly focused.
It was like an enchantment as he couldn't take his eyes off of her, trying to see a reaction to her curious findings. It remained a mystery to him, so he was patient for her to finish.
Her other hand that had remained on his collarbone now also wandered off imitating the same path as the other before.
Yumiko's touch was gentle, like a calm breeze and yet so firm and ambitious that it made his skin feel hot everywhere her fingertips would explore.
Benedikt felt strangely exposed while she was looking at him in her own way. It was an unfamiliar sensation, intimate and personal.
He hadn't been this close to someone, not to mention alone in a room with a woman without a chaperone. Certainly, this wasn't necessary anymore. Yumiko was the first and also the only one who would share this intimacy with him. He began grinning at the thought about it.
"What seems to be so amusing?" Yumiko cupped his chin with both of her hands, making out the change of his expression. Her face softened as she spoke and her lips formed a curious smile.
"It's not amusing. Rather am I relieved that I am with you and that we are now husband and wife." His voice was calm, softer as usual and warm.
"I'm relieved as well," she smiled even brighter.
"Say, what do you see?"
Yumiko resumed touching his face, following along his brows, the hollow space of his eyes, the length of his nose and the bumps of his lips.
"You are so different from me."
Benedikt chuckled. "Yes, and I'm glad that we are."
Yumiko laughed as well.
"Well, the shape of your eyes is significantly different. Your cheekbones are seemingly more prominent and your nose is a straight line." As she spoke she traced her fingers along his face.
"I would even dare say that you must be quite handsome."
Benedikt now laughed louder. "Is that so?"
"From what I can see, I would assume that," Yumiko pouted slightly with her lips as if she wanted to figure out why Benedikt disagreed with her earnest impression.
"If my dear wife says that about me, then I shall gladly be the handsome husband to her beautiful existence." Benedikt turned his head and kissed Yumiko's fingers that were now resting on his cheeks. She didn't reply but instead ran her thumb softly along his lips.
Benedikt then turned towards her again, looking up at her expression that showed nervousness and also trust. His heart raced so strongly that he assumed that she must be able to hear his restless heartbeat as well. The quick thumps echoed in his ears.
He pushed himself up from the carpet he kneeled on, stopping just right before her face. Millimetres away from her lips.
"I really meant every single word of my vows today." Benedikt whispered and kissed the right side next to her lips first. "If there is anything that doesn't make you feel joy or comfort, please do tell me and I shall obey immediately without ever questioning it." He proceeded to kiss the left side.
Benedikt could hear her fast paced breathing. He was so close to her that he could even feel the rhythm of her chest moving as she sat in front of him.
Yumiko smiled warmly at him, cupping his face between her palms.
"That day will probably never come for as long as I am your wife."
Benedikt returned her smile and closed the distance between them, pressing his lips onto hers.
As they kissed, Yumiko wrapped her arms around his neck and he pushed forward, carefully laying her down. He stopped for a moment to take a look at his wife below him, her face flushed, her tempting lips open and her chest moving according to her fastened breathing. Her dark hair contrasted the white bedding, framing her lovely face.
"You are beautiful." His voice was a mere whisper under his own breath. "Prinzessin Yumiko von Hohengoldlinden, you are truly beautiful." It had a shuddering feeling to it as he said her new title in this intimate moment.
"Prinz Benedikt von Hohengoldlinden, you are quite the looker yourself." She smirked and he kissed her.
Their chuckles were damped, eventually silenced by the kisses that gradually intensified and turned into sighs of bliss.
Benedikt felt the heat of desire and lust surging up inside of him like an unstoppable wave, drowning his entirety in pleasure.
As much as he treasured and cherished Yumiko, he also wanted to see her give in to the delight of sharing the heat of intimacy with him. Although he liked seeing her elegant and gracious aura, he very much also wanted to see her break away from the chains of expectations. Letting go of the deeply rooted and taught behaviour of being a proper lady.
More than anything Benedikt wanted to be the sole reason for her defiance of decency and etiquette. He wanted to see her being as free and blissful as he was.
Benedikt began covering her face and her neck with hot kisses, as his hands followed along her delicate figure downwards.
He wanted to cherish every centimetre of her body, tasting her with his lips and tongue. Yumiko shuddered under his countless caresses.
It was vexing.
The incredible feeling of urgeness to dishelve her immediately and the desire to cherish each second for as long as possible was truly maddening.
His fingers slowly found their way to open her nemaki, more or less clumsily unwrapping the silky fabric. He also hesitated before each new approach to give her time to protest.
Yumiko acknowledged the brief breaks, but didn't give him any signs to stop.
Benedikt felt encouraged and finally revealed her exposed body underneath the layers of fabric.
Her skin was pale, a milky soft colour, reflecting her innocence and the temptation.
The sight in front of him was breathtaking. Benedikt felt so much ecstasy that it was almost numbing, a feeling so addictive that he could now understand the motive of so many poems, books and songs. All the paintings and literary works that depicted these moments of pure pleasure and intimacy finally made sense to him. He wanted to burn this image before him into his mind.
He traced her body with his lips and hands, moving downwards ever so slowly. Kissing, tasting, caressing her unceasingly.
She trembled and shuddered under him, winding her body according to his touches, occasionally letting out a sigh or a moan of pleasure.
Seconds, minutes or even hours pass as they give themselves into the bodily passions.
Benedikt let himself be guided by the desire and the lust he felt, without letting them take over his mind completely. The last shred of rationality ensured that he considered and read Yumiko's expressions and reactions to his actions properly.
Though, she never seemed to dislike the things he did. She let him explore freely and taste her addicting sweetness without disruption.
Her rather shy and nervous sighs and moans eventually turned into confident confirmations of her sensation. As he buried his face between her slender legs, she even held onto his head, sinking her nails in between his ruffled hair.
He grinned and felt even more encouraged to continue savouring her. Her trembling legs trapped his head, stiffening up and she began arching her back. Completely in trance with the pleasure she felt.
The desire that Benedikt felt was overwhelming. He felt the heat everywhere, but it was the hottest and most urgent between his own legs. Almost painfully wanting to make Yumiko his, relishing her under him.
The intensity of lust caught them both, sharing this exquisite, raw moment with each other.
In between her moans she tried to call out to him, however never quite managed to bring out his name to the last syllable. The pleasure interrupted her attempts.
Observing her enjoy his caresses and touches was satisfying and he could have never imagined that sharing the bed would be this blissful.
Suddenly he felt her grasp of her fingers pushing him deeper in between her legs, her body stiffening up entirely, her back arching even more and her moaning silenced by a gasp.
She began trembling immensely, seemingly holding in her breath. Benedikt glanced at her from below and saw her open mouth gasping but also faintly smiling.
He grinned.
He didn't need any other previous experience to know that everything he did so far was sufficient enough. Yumiko slowly eased up her tense body, panting and releasing his head from the captivity of her hands and legs.
Benedikt moved upwards again, kissing her burning body along the way.
She held onto his face gently, pulled him towards her and pressed her lips on his. He could feel her smile as they kissed.
He then hovered over her, looking at her again from close up.
Her face was even redder than before and had a glow so tempting that by merely looking at her he felt the desire surge.
Benedikt couldn't quite explain how everything about Yumiko was so incredibly enticing to him.
She traced his face, figuring out his own expression.
"Don't stop," her whisper resembled a sigh.
Yumiko was woken up from the sound of plates.
The smell of a familiar dish filled her sleepy mind. It was the scent of breakfast.
She forced herself to escape from the tempting drowsiness that was dominating. The soft pillow and the warm blanket surrounding her were too comfortable. Yumiko couldn't remember the last time she felt so calm upon waking up, being so idle wasn't like her, but she was in a state of utter comfort.
Her mind wandered off as she let herself sink deeper into the inviting bed.
The hazy memories of the previous night flashed in her mind.
She didn't know exactly what was going to happen during the first night between newlyweds, but that it would be such a pleasant experience was something rather unexpected.
Her lips curled into a grin.
At first she felt embarrassed, however that didn't last long as she began indulging the shared intimacy with Benedikt.
He was gentle, his caresses considerate and yet firm.
She was finally a woman.
The heat rushed into her cheeks, as she remembered the details.
Certainly she felt a sense of helplessness since she couldn't really see and expect the actions coming from him, but Benedikt managed to make her feel secure.
At any given moment at least one of his hands was holding onto her body, reassuring his presence. He also whispered sweet words, affirmations of his own adoration towards her.
His actions were confirming the words he chose as his vow.
"On this day, I, Benedikt von Hohengoldlinden, stand before you, Yumiko Kirishima, and will have the extraordinary honour of taking you as my wife. Until now, I have lived my life in the service of my emperor, the country and the church, and this has been enough to give meaning to my existence. And yet I stand before you today and could not imagine any greater joy than to call you mine. Words alone are not enough to describe what I would do for your happiness. Thank God that I have my whole life to prove this to you. There shall not be a day when the sun rises or sets in which your heart is not filled with joy and contentment. For this I vow to live my humble life - For your happiness, your health and your safety I give all that I am and will be. For the present and for our future."
Yumiko felt goosebumps crawling up her skin.
She was indeed filled with endless joy and she felt like the happiest woman that has ever lived on this planet.
Quiet, barefooted steps got closer to the bed until the mattress sank under the weight of another person beside her. The familiar scent of Benedikt filled her nose now.
"Are you awake?" His voice was a soft whisper.
She wanted to tease him and remained still, knowing his observing gaze upon her.
"Please wake up, my lovely wife and have some breakfast." He leaned towards her and gently kissed her forehead.
She smiled and he laughed.
"It is truly difficult to judge whether or not you are still sleeping." Benedikt wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. She never imagined to feel so happy and safe in the arms of another person who wasn't from her family.
His open display of affection was unusual to her, but she still enjoyed it. Her family showed affection towards each other more subtly.
"Rest assured that it isn't my intention to confuse you," she grinned widely.
"Is that so?" Benedikt freed her from his embrace and instead got up with his upper body and looked at her.
Yumiko put on her most innocent expression. He grabbed her face with his hand and squished her cheeks. "Well played, Princess."
They laughed and he helped her to sit up.
"How are you feeling? I asked Takane-san for a nutritional breakfast." The clattering of tableware and the worry in Benedikt's voice could be heard.
Benedikt guided her hands in front of her where a tray was offering the delicious smell of miso soup, freshly cooked rice and grilled fish. Yumiko didn't even try to hide her overly excited expression.
"I'm fine, really." She spoke the truth and was surprised herself that after they had shared the bed, that she simply felt lighthearted.
"If there is anything, please let me know without hesitation," he kissed her head. "You should eat while it's hot."
"Will you eat as well?"
"Yes, Takane-san was so kind as to prepare my share as well." Benedikt sounded excited, eager to try the simple breakfast. Yumiko smiled upon hearing his words.
Her first proper meal after the wedding was a yashimian breakfast and she was more than delighted to be able to start her new role as the lady of this estate with such homelike dishes.
"Guten Appetit." Yumiko exchanged the usual yashimian phrase before eating with the allemanian equivalent. Bon appetit.
Benedikt chuckled. "Itadakimasu." I humbly receive.
They ate and it was just as blissful of a morning as the evening and the day before. While having their breakfast together they talked leisurely with each other. It was more than Yumiko could have wished for.
She hadn't had such a slow morning in her life so far. Usually she would follow a routine of waking up on a fixed time, get dressed and ready with Takane-san's help and have breakfast with her family. She'd then either had lessons on languages or fine arts. Yumiko's everyday life was planned ahead and followed the schedule of becoming a proper lady. She wasn't supposed to make any decisions, her parents knew better.
However today was the start of her new life as the Princess von Hohengoldlinden on this island Kleingoldlinden. Her decisions would now influence the lives of the people who worked for them on this idyllic island. Yumiko was now responsible for her own royal household.
Thinking about the alternative made her feel an even deeper appreciation for the arrangement of their marriage. If she would have stayed in Yashima, then she would have always remained at the closed off estate under the safety of her parents and then of her brother. She would have never been married and instead be a burden to her family who were adamant of taking care of her without letting her help with the success of their business.
And from today onwards she would bring honour to the name of the Kirishima's by being a great wife and Princess in Allemania.
Benedikt put away their trays and placed his head on her lap, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Unfortunately, I have to leave for work."
His voice didn't hide away his reluctance and it made her smile.
She placed her hand on his head and ruffled through his wavy hair. The feeling of his soft, bouncy hair between her fingers was calming. She liked the texture and it was strangely calming to her. All the new sensations, feelings and things that she experienced as of late were so fascinating. She had never touched a man's body so intensely and intimately ever before and it was so captivating to her to absorb all this new information that might be nothing new for people who were able to see the differences. But for her it was never so explicitly obvious to her.
She knew that men were built differently, but not exactly by how much.
The only information to create an impression off were the hands and arms of her brother and sometimes her father.
Now Benedikt rested on her lap and she noticed how much she actually liked the physical closeness between them. It had a reassuring and personal feeling, despite being unusual to her.
Yumiko heard Benedikt sigh in frustration, hugging her tighter.
"We shall devote ourselves to our responsibilities." She patted his head.
"You are also my responsibility." His voice came out muffled but she could still hear his smirk and playful tone.
"You know what I mean to say."
"Certainly." He sighed again but then got up, kissed her on the lips and stepped out of the bed. "I shall take my wife's sense of duty." She heard the rustling noises of clothes. "Let us share at least all of our meals everyday together."
"I would like that." She smiled.
"Let me know anytime by any means of communication if there is anything that I can help you with. I will let Takane-san know that you are ready to start the day. In my opinion I would prefer it for you to rest for the remaining day, however I assume that it would go against your wishes. So I arranged for the head maid to guide you through your new role and you either have to pick an attending maid from the current staff or have Takane-san be taught the role in an alleman household."
"I'm grateful for your consideration."
"I will come pick you up after you get ready, we shall greet our employees officially." He approached her again, gave her another kiss on the head and Yumiko heard his steps distancing.
Her new life would now start.