As morning light seeped through the curtains, Salviana blinked awake, stretching slightly as the warmth of the bed enveloped her.
She turned, only to find Alaric lying beside her, his gaze unwavering, watching her intently. His hair was tousled, and they were shadows of fatigue under his eyes, yet his expression was soft, his lips curved into a gentle smile.
He had come back to his wife after the meeting and watching her now assured him that it was the right decision, she was ethereal.
"Good morning," Salviana murmured, feeling warmth rise to her cheeks under his steady gaze.
"Good morning, Fiery," he replied, his voice low and tender. His hand moved to brush a stray lock of hair from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek.
Salviana smiled, reaching up to hold his hand to her face, savoring the comfort in his touch. But as she attempted to sit up, he gently pulled her back down, wrapping his arm around her waist. His hold was warm, possessive, as if he couldn't bear to let her go just yet.
"Stay a little longer," he whispered, his voice almost pleading.
"You've barely slept," she whispered, her brows knitting in gentle concern as she touched his cheek, tracing the sharp line that is his jaw. "You were out all night, weren't you?" There was a period in her sleep that she felt restless and she'd woken up to find herself alone.
"I returned at first light," he admitted, his tone softened with weariness. "There was… too much to do, to prepare for." He exhaled, his eyes drifting as he recalled the urgency of the night's war council. But here, with her, he found an oasis of calm that he hadn't realized he needed so desperately.
"Then rest," she said, snuggling closer to him, her head finding the curve of his shoulder. "Just for a while longer."
He smiled, his fingers tracing delicate circles on her back, each touch gentle, savoring her presence. "How is it," he murmured, "that a mere glance from you can make the whole world outside feel distant?"
Salviana's laughter was soft as she tucked herself closer to him. "That's too much, I think you're just very tired, my dearest husband."
Alaric chuckled, pressing his lips against her forehead in a long, lingering kiss. She simply melted. "That, I am not." He rested his forehead against hers, breathing her in, his voice a mere whisper. "But I find myself unable to look away from you, Salviana. I feel as if each second with you is a balm, something I can't let go of."
She looked up into his eyes with surprise coloring her green orbs, her own gaze softened. "Then don't let go," she said, her voice no louder than a breath. "At least not right now."
They lay in silence, letting the morning light spill over them in gentle streams. The world outside could wait—just a little longer.
For now, Alaric held her close, grounding himself in the one part of his world that felt unshakable, savoring each precious second before duty called him away once more.
Salviana never expected to be cherished this importantly by anyone before. It had been her ultimate dream to be unconditionally loved and she didn't want to be ahead of herself or dangerously hopeful but she was starting to believe this man, this being, was one to love her someday.
And the scariest part was that it would be unconditional.
"It'll be breakfast soon Alaric, we should rise," Salviana whispered after a while of being hugged exaggeratingly right by her husband. He pressed his nose into her back.
"I don't need food," he let out.
Salviana shifted, "Is that arrogance I hear?," she feigned a strong voice.
"No, it's the truth," he whispered in her ears, he nibbled it before tickling her ribs and ultimately making her cry out a laughter.
She tried to escape his arms and out of the bed but he grabbed her closer, "All I need is you, if you are then I am," he declared.
"Oh sweet husband," she blushed, melting in his arms.
"Yes, now we have to get you ready for the day," Alaric let out and it felt like pouring ice on a warm blanket, one which Salviana laid under.
Ughh she whined, now she didn't want to leave the bed, she snuggled closer to him, her body clinging to his she didn't want to stand up.
Alaric smiled, dropping a kiss on her fiery hair, "Now who's lazy to leave the bed?"
"You made me hunger to stay," she moaned.
"You can stay all you want," he invited again.
"No," she drawled, "We have responsibilities," she said.
"Yes," he stood from the bed with her in his arms making her giggle. That was such impressive strength she thought.
Alaric wrapped in a cloak, glanced over at Salviana, who was blushing furiously from where she sat on a stool near the mirror. She had insisted on separate baths despite the single bathroom they shared, claiming shyness but unable to hide her curiosity about him.
Finishing with his own quick routine, Alaric crossed to her side and lifted her gently from her seat, carrying her out of the steamy room and into the bedroom. He set her down carefully on a high stool near the vanity, where the morning light highlighted her still-damp hair, cascading in waves over her shoulders.
"Alaric?" Salviana's voice was soft, almost a whisper, as he moved behind her, gathering her hair up to pin it in a loose bun.
"Yes, Fiery-wife?" he murmured, leaning close enough that she could feel his breath on her neck.
"What happens to you in sunlight?" she asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"Oh, a question," he teased, reaching over to the drawer to retrieve a small vial of her favourite scented oil.
"Tell me," she urged, watching as he poured a bit of oil into his palm.
She was feeling lively today and it was all thanks to how her morning started.