The first light of dawn filtered through the heavy drapes, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. Amelia stirred awake, her mind slowly drifting from the haze of sleep to the present reality. The events of the previous night flashed in her memory—confessing her otherworldly origins to Alister, the warmth of his hand in hers, and the unspoken promise of facing the future together.
She turned slightly, her gaze falling upon her husband, who lay sleeping beside her. Alister's features, usually so stern and composed, were softened in repose. His sculpted cheekbones, the strong line of his jaw, and the faint shadow of stubble all painted a picture of serene masculinity. Amelia marveled at how different he seemed in this unguarded moment, his face a blend of strength and vulnerability.
She found herself tracing the curve of his lips with her eyes, noting how relaxed they appeared compared to his usual stoic demeanor. There was a peacefulness about him that she rarely saw, a stark contrast to the noble image he projected during the day. Her thoughts wandered, pondering the complexities of the man beside her—the Duke who held so many secrets, yet had shown her kindness and understanding.
As she studied him, her mind began to piece together the puzzle of their relationship. The subtle gestures of care he had displayed, the moments of unexpected warmth—each one now took on a new significance. Was it possible that beneath his reserved exterior, he harbored feelings for her? The thought sent a thrill through her, but she quickly reminded herself to tread carefully. Their marriage had begun as a contract, and any shift in their dynamic would have to be navigated with care.
Lost in her thoughts, Amelia didn't notice Alister stirring until his eyes fluttered open. He caught her staring, and a slow, mischievous smile spread across his face. His voice, still husky with sleep, broke the silence. "Enjoying the view, Duchess?"
Amelia's cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement. "I didn't mean to stare. I was just... thinking."
Alister propped himself up on one elbow, his smile widening. "Thinking about what, if I may ask?"
She hesitated, searching for the right words. "About last night. And... about you."
His expression softened, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Oh? What about me?"
Amelia took a deep breath, deciding to be honest. "You look different when you're sleeping. Less... guarded. More human, if that makes sense."
Alister chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that made her heart skip a beat. "I suppose even dukes need their rest. But I could say the same about you. You seem more at ease this morning."
She smiled, feeling the tension between them ease slightly. "Maybe it's the company."
He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face. The touch was brief, but it sent a shiver down her spine. "I'm glad to hear that."
Amelia shifted slightly, propping herself up to face him more directly. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," he replied, his gaze steady and encouraging.
"Do you believe me? About what I told you last night?"
Alister's expression grew serious, and he took a moment before answering. "It's a lot to take in, I'll admit. But I believe you believe it. And given everything that's happened, I'm willing to keep an open mind."
His words were a balm to her anxious heart. She nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Alister. That means a lot to me."
He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "We'll figure it out together, Amelia. Whatever comes our way."
As they lay there, the early morning light growing brighter, Amelia felt a sense of calm she hadn't experienced in a long time. The uncertainty of her past and the complexities of her present seemed to fade in the warmth of Alister's presence. For the first time, she allowed herself to hope that their future could be different—that they could build something real together.
Her thoughts drifted again, this time to the day ahead. She knew that they would face challenges, that the world outside their room would demand their attention and test their newfound understanding. But for now, in this quiet moment, she felt a sense of peace and possibility.
Alister, still watching her, seemed to read her thoughts. "What are you thinking about now?"
Amelia smiled, a genuine, unguarded smile. "I'm thinking that maybe, just maybe, we can make this work."