Ⅴ
A few softly spoken words carried the force of a thousand troops.
In that instant, Malinda's face flushed.
"What did you say?"
The Lady of the Long Night tried to pull her calf free even as she asked him to confirm it again.
"I said I want you beside me when I wake up in a lounge chair in the courtyard on a leisurely afternoon.
I said I want you beside me when I wake up in the middle of the night.
I said I want you sitting beside me when I enjoy delicious food.
We could discuss the latest trends, talk about how to cook different dishes, and dream of a wonderful future together-my darling."
Arthur spoke slowly, enunciating every word.
Joy shone in Malinda's azure eyes.
Not only did the calf she had been trying to pull free stop struggling altogether, but she raised her other leg and placed that calf directly on Arthur's lap too.
"Mm."
Malinda nodded.
They gazed at each other.
There was no grand, earth-shaking passion.
Nor were there vows to last until the seas dried up and the rocks crumbled.
At that moment, they simply felt that the person before them was the right one.
For Malinda, her older female cousin's involvement had made her realize what lay in her heart.
As for Arthur?
The young Medium would never admit that he had been plotting this for a long time.
When they first met, Malinda's appearance, attire, and manner had captivated him.
The generosity she displayed during their subsequent cooperation had earned Arthur's admiration as well. He knew that someone as petty as himself could not compare to her.
And after that?
It must have been habit.
Just like a moment ago, the faint joy he felt at the thought of Malinda