"Come here," he bellowed softly.
"Why?" she asked, suspicion laced in her tone.
"Come kiss me," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Salviana flushed, her steps hesitant as she walked toward him. "You're impossible," she muttered.
The moment she was within reach, he grabbed her waist and pulled her onto the bed, wrapping her securely in his arms.
"Alaric!" she squealed, laughing as she tried to squirm free.
"Have I told you something important?" he asked, his face close to hers.
"That I'm a beautiful, lovely, wonderful fiery wife?" she teased, grinning.
"All that," he said, his voice softening, "and that I love you."
Her smile froze for a moment, her breath hitching.
"I love you, Salviana," he continued, his tone reverent. "With all of my heart. You're my sunshine in my darkness, the rain in my night, and I love you."
Her hands trembled as she cupped his face, pressing a kiss to his nose. "I'll envelope you in all my warmth and share my love with you, too," she whispered.
"You love me?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
She arched an eyebrow. "No, I don't."
He chuckled, nodding as though he accepted her words. "I'll wait until you can say it. Even if you never do, I'll love you still. Your actions already tell me more than words ever could."
"Stop," she said, feigning seriousness. "I'd never do anything loving for such a fire husband."
"Then why do I feel so loved?" he teased, his voice a soft rumble.
"You're delusional, that's why," she quipped, leaning closer. "I don't lo—"
He silenced her with a kiss, his lips claiming hers in an intense, unyielding embrace. When they finally pulled apart, her cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkling.
"I love you," she said solemnly.
"You don't have to," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"I do," she retorted firmly.
"You really don't—"
Before he could finish, she slipped out of his arms and sprang to her feet. "Go get ready for gardening," she said, wagging a finger at him as she headed for the door.
Alaric groaned dramatically, collapsing back onto the bed. "Yes, my lady," he called after her, his voice dripping with affection.
And with that, Salviana darted out of the room, her laughter trailing behind her like music in the morning air.
~~{────────
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The maids bustled about with an air of excitement, their enthusiasm palpable as they prepared for the gardening day.
Emma, Thalia, and Sarah worked in harmony, their chatter punctuated by bursts of laughter as they carried tools, arranged umbrellas for shade, and set up a small table with snacks and refreshments.
"I heard Lady Salviana's planning to plant roses," Thalia whispered, her eyes sparkling. "Imagine how beautiful they'll look in full bloom."
"Not just roses," Sarah chimed in, arranging a pitcher of cool lemonade on the table. "I saw lavender seeds among the supplies. The garden will smell heavenly."
Emma nodded, positioning a wicker basket filled with gardening gloves and small shovels. "It's been a long time since we've had such a lively project. It feels… joyful, doesn't it?"
They glanced toward the couple as Alaric and Salviana strolled into the garden.
Salviana wore a light, flowy dress that fluttered in the breeze, her red hair shining under the sun, while Alaric had donned casual trousers and a loose shirt, his demeanor surprisingly relaxed.
The maids exchanged knowing smiles, stepping back to allow the couple room to work while remaining nearby in case they were needed.
"This will be lovely," Salviana said, surveying the cleared patch of earth.
"It already is," Alaric murmured, his gaze on her rather than the garden.
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Focus, Fire. We have work to do."
He chuckled, bending to pick up a spade. "Yes, my fiery lady. Where should we start?"
"The roses," she decided, gesturing toward the small bundle of seedlings.
The maids watched from the side, giggling softly as the couple began their work.
Alaric, though a skilled warrior, fumbled a bit with the delicate plants, while Salviana teased him endlessly.
"You're holding it like a weapon, not a flower," she said, her laugh ringing like a melody.
"Well, I'm better at wielding swords than spades," he admitted, grinning. "But I'm learning."
As they worked, the maids whispered among themselves. "They make such a wonderful pair," Sarah said softly, her cheeks flushed with admiration.
Thalia nodded. "It's clear he adores her. Have you ever seen him like this?"
"Never," Emma agreed, a smile tugging at her lips. "It's nice to see the castle filled with laughter again."
The day carried on, filled with lighthearted banter, shared smiles, and the steady rhythm of hands shaping the earth. For the first time in a long while, the garden—and the castle itself—felt alive.
~~{────────────
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~}~~~
The couple immersed themselves in the process of gardening, the earthy scent of freshly tilled soil filling the air.
Salviana sat on her knees, flipping through a book she'd brought, her voice soft yet firm as she read aloud instructions for planting during the rainy season.
"This one," she said, pointing to a section on the page, "is perfect for this weather. These seeds thrive with just enough moisture and sunlight."
Alaric, crouched beside her, held the seeds she referred to, examining them with a curious expression. "Sounds like we're about to grow a kingdom of greenery," he teased, smirking.
"We are," she replied, glancing up with a grin. "Now, follow the instructions, Fire."
He chuckled. "You know, I'm starting to think you enjoy bossing me around, Fiery."
"Someone has to keep you in line," she quipped, her tone light and teasing.
Alaric began digging small holes for the seeds, but after a moment, he stopped and looked at her, his gaze warm and playful. "You should do this part," he said, holding out the seeds.
She raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Because your divine hands will make these seeds grow beautifully," he said, his voice low and sincere.