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“Wrong bed!” The sudden shout is heard from across the hallway.
Siegfried’s arms tightened around the warm body in his bed, pulling her closer, grumbling something under his breath about Carmody and Tristan needing to finally figure out their living situation. (Preferably on their own).
He glanced at the clock at his bedside table. One o’clock in the morning. Bloody Tristan.
“What in the bloody-” Audrey groaned as she awoke, pulling the sheets and blankets over her head to contain the warmth in the bed.
“You go, I’ve only just gotten to sleep an’ I have to be up in just a few more hours t’ get everything started for the day.” She continued, nudging him slightly.
Siegfried shivered after lifting the covers, feeling the shock of the cold hit his body.
After putting on his slippers and robe he sleepily found his way across the hall and burst into the boys’ bedroom to mediate whatever argument was taking place.
Once the boys settled, Siegfried made his way back across the hall, anxious to get back to the warmth of his bed, not to mention his lovely housekeeper waiting there for him.
“I swear they’re like children!” He declared once back inside the bedroom and closed the door behind him.
Audrey just chuckled and pulled the blankets back and patted her hand on his side of the bed, silently inviting him back, eager to feel his body heat once more.
He slid back into bed, wrapped his arms around her and sighed.
“Those two need to stop requiring a mediator for every interaction they have with one another.” He grumbled.
“Ah, yes I definitely don’t know what that’s like.” Audrey mumbled, chuckling quietly as she teased him.
Later that night
The fireplace crackled in the living room as Siegfried handed Audrey her glass of sherry- he was finally getting his nightcap with her.
He didn’t mind her long hours as a Warden.
No, that wasn’t true. He absolutely minded.
Though proud of her, he missed the household being congregated around the fireplace at night after a good supper, and without her there it seemed everyone went their separate ways, leaving him there by himself to nurse his whisky as he anxiously awaited her return.
She scolded him night after night for waiting up so late for her, especially when using his whisky as his only friend.
After several excuses for staying up late (Reading Tristan’s letters, going over surgery notes, preparing for tomorrow’s schedule and the like.) he eventually blurted out “I wanted to make sure you were accounted for.” She didn’t have to ask the underlying meaning of his words.
He cherished nights like these with her more than anything.
He smiled and looked down at her, lifting his glass upward slightly in a toast: “Here’s to an undisturbed night.” He declared with a chuckle as he sat beside her.
Her hand that had been petting Dash had moved to the middle of the couch and found his, giving it a tight squeeze.
“I’ve missed you.” Siegfried said quietly, breaking the silence once they were settled.
“I’m right here.” She replied, giving his hand another squeeze before lifting her head as her ocean eyes met his chestnut ones, the look of worry and concern seemed to be plastered on his face more often than not these days.
“I know. I know I said I don’t mind you being gone. And in a way I don’t-” Siegfried began, looking back down at his lap feeling guilty.
“I’m so proud of you.” He continued. “So bloody proud in fact.”
“I just miss you.” He said. He wasn’t one for speaking his feelings to anyone, and even with Audrey it could be difficult at times, he would admit it.
“I adore you, you know that right?” She said and took her other hand and used it to cup his cheek, lifting his head back up to meet her gaze. She scooted closer to him so that their thighs were touching, and Dash jumped off at the slight movement.
“He’s dramatic.” Siegfried noted, chuckling at the Spaniel.
“Like someone else I know from time to time.” Audrey replied teasingly.
“Siegfried,” She began, her thumb caressing his cheek as she looked longingly into his eyes.
“If you’d like time together, more time that is, just say the word.” She told him.
He nodded and took her hand from his cheek and kissed it gently, a gesture that made her heart melt every time.
“Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Siegfried Farnon.” She told him.
“Yes, well I don’t like sharing, especially when you’re with that Bosworth.” He practically spat the dreadful man's name and Audrey chuckled.
“Siegfried, you absolute child!” She exclaimed.
“And when you’re spending your time wandering the streets at ridiculous hours of the night-” He continued, his brows furrowing with worry once more.
“Must I remind you I was in the war the first time ‘round just as you were!” She said and shoved him playfully.
“I can look after meself.” She said, her tone more gentle and serious this time.
Siegfried nodded in response and decided it best not to respond.
He stood up and offered his hand to her.
“Shall we take advantage of what we hope should be a true undisturbed night Mrs. Hall?” He proposed with a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.
“Whatever you say, Mr. Farnon.” Audrey said as she accepted his hand, the both of them heading upstairs for the night.