Lakeside Town, Duke's Manor.
The servants had long since tactfully withdrawn, leaving the space entirely to their newlywed masters.
In the bedroom, candlelight cast a soft glow, while the breeze from the lake brought damp air through the window.
Having shed the elaborate wedding gown and heavy formal attire, they had both changed into light sleepwear, yet the atmosphere was more tense and intimate than ever.
Everything from the day receded like the tide, leaving only the distinct sounds of each other's heartbeat and breathing.
Horace looked at Rellana. She had shed her knightly valor and princess's reserve; at this moment, she was simply a somewhat nervous bride, his figure reflected in her blue eyes.
"Were you... tired today?" Horace asked softly, breaking the silence that made their hearts race.
Rellana shook her head, then nodded, her voice as faint as a mosquito's hum. "A little... but mostly, I'm happy."
She raised her eyes and looked bravely at him.
"Thank you, Horace. Thank you for your promise, and... everything."
"I'm the one who should be thanking you." Horace stepped closer, close enough to smell her faint fragrance.
"Thank you for accepting me as I am, along with... all the trouble I've brought."
"That doesn't count as trouble," Rellana instinctively countered. Then, realizing what she had said, she blushed even more deeply.
"I mean... we'll face it together."
Horace smiled and said no more.
He reached out, his fingertips brushing gently across her cheek, feeling the slight warmth beneath her delicate skin.
Rellana trembled slightly, but did not pull away. Instead, she gently closed her eyes, her long lashes casting faint shadows beneath them.
The sun was already high, and Horace had long since woken, feeling thoroughly refreshed.
The powerful physique granted by Dragon Communion and the Great Runes, coupled