Chapter Text
“May Verdrenna be slow with spring.”
The attendants crossed their arms and took their leave. They spoke of the customary blessing given to couples on the night they first welcomed winter.
After two years of engagement, I am now formally wed to Rozemyne. We had agreed it would be best to postpone our wedding night until after the Archduke Conference, so that her body would not be burdened. Now that the conference has ended and we have returned to Alexandria, the time has finally come for us to fulfill our marital duty.
I opened the door connecting our chambers and stepped into the archducal couple’s bedroom—only to stop in my tracks.
There was… a large ball rolling across the bed.
“…What in the gods’ names is that supposed to be?”
The “ball” froze. A moment later, Rozemyne’s head popped out from the comforter and shrieked, “EEEK—! Ferdinand?! I didn’t hear you come in…” Her voice trailed off into a mumbled mess.
Well, of course you couldn’t. I pressed a hand to my temple and approached the bed, sitting beside the suspiciously wriggling bundle of cloth.
“So? What strange ritual were you performing?”
“Bwuh, it wasn’t a ritual. I was trying to think of how to greet you like… like an actual proper wife.” She pursed her lips, clearly dissatisfied. “But you came before I could even prepare myself.”
Still, what did that have to do with rolling around on the bed?
Apparently, Rozemyne was far too busy agonizing over the fact that she couldn’t surprise me to realize she had completely abandoned her noble-like composure. She ignored my lack of enthusiasm entirely and continued mumbling to herself about whatever she was trying to do earlier.
“I knew I should have just gone with something simple like, ‘Welcome home, my dear husband!’”
“…Rozemyne.”
“But then again, the tension of waiting for you almost killed me! And seriously, what is with these noble customs? I was so embarrassed I could die when my attendants washed me so thoroughly then wished me luck. I mean, everyone knows what’s supposed to happen tonight and—”
“Rozemyne.”
“Geez, what?!”
I reached out and pinched her cheeks. “Calm down. Your mana is about to run wild."
She cupped her swollen cheeks as if to guard it and glared at me with teary eyes, “How can you be so calm about this, Ferdinand?!”
“Enough of this farce. For the time being, come out of the bedding. I shall examine your health first and foremost.”
Rozemyne let out a small groan before lowering the comforter. The cloth slipped smoothly past her shoulders, revealing the delicate nightgown that hugged her figure. My eyes followed the lines of her body before I could stop them. The feystone necklace resting on her chest drew my attention, and with her hair tied up, her exposed nape was far more distracting than usual.
“Ferdinand? Is something wrong?”
“…Nothing. Come closer. I cannot measure you from that far away.”
Her voice snapped me back to reality. I needed to get this checkup over with.
Rozemyne obediently shuffled toward me and closed her eyes. I placed one hand at her neck and the other at her wrist, sending mana through as per usual.
…Her pulse is fast, but there is no fever. Considering how much had happened during the Archduke Conference, I had expected some level of exhaustion, but she was in a surprisingly good health. If anything, the agitation was simply due to our supposed arrival of winter.
It's not like she has to feel forced to do it with me.
“You’re in good health,” I said at last, “but to be safe let's postpone the arrival of winter.”
Rozemyne blinked. “…But why?”
“The Archduke Conference has only just ended. We both know better than to force your body.”
Our retainers would only worry if they learn nothing happened tonight. It would be wise to leave no trace and drink the prepared synchronization potions to allow the impression that winter had arrived. That way, needless rumors among the nobles could be avoided. With that decision made, I began to move—only for a faint tug at my sleeve to halt me.
Her gaze wandered everywhere but my eyes, the tips of her ears and the pale line of her neck betrayed her entirely, dyed in the divine hue of Gedulph. “Please don’t go,” she said so softly that I could feel every last thread of reason within me snap.
Rozemyne was, without fail, the only person capable of overturning my plans. I could not predict what she would do next. All I knew with certainty was that my expectations, as a man, were being mercilessly stirred.
I pray that she would not toy with my heart any further.
“I feel fine, don’t I? Then there’s no need to postpone it,” she insisted.
“You don’t need to force yourself. We are in no hurry for a child.”
Rozemyne's serene expression vanished in an instant. Her brows knit in frustration and cried, “I am not forcing myself!” then leaned forward and plunged at me, forcibly pressing our lips together. But our teeth collided with a clack, sending a dull shock through my jaw.
We recoiled at once, both of us bringing our hands over our mouths.
“You—what were you even trying to do?” I managed to say, albeit exasperated.
“I’m sorry! I’m really sorry! I didn’t think it would end up like that.” she cried, wincing in pain.
I exhaled slowly and pinched the bridge of my nose, fighting back the urge to laugh. “You are a terrible kisser.”
“I don’t have much experience, so don’t blame me..." Her cheeks puffed just like a shumil. “Besides,” she continued, “you are the one at fault. You kept saying things about me being forced.”
“And who was it,” I replied dryly, “who claimed she was so embarrassed she might die at the thought of being intimate with me?”
She faltered. “I am embarrassed about everyone knowing what will happen—that's different! I do not mind doing it with you.”
I raised an eyebrow. Rozemyne's shoulders stiffened, clearly sensing my doubt. “I really mean it. I chose you as my husband of my own will. A woman cannot run away in shame at a time like this.”
It was a strong determination, fitted for a knight departing for the battlefield but not as a wife welcoming her husband on their wedding night.
There’s truly no winning against you…
A faint laughter escaped me.
“If you truly do not object, shall we proceed?”
After she gave a small nod, I retrieved the prepared synchronization potions on the bedside table. As was customary, we would need to dye one another with our liquefied mana before anything else even if she was already dyed in my colors due to Devouring.
I slowly brought the cup to my lips. My first mouthful brought the very sweet taste of Rozemyne's mana. It left a lingering flavor that melts into my core. It was the most exquisite flavor I have ever tasted. Rozemyne beside me let out a sigh. She had already drank all of her share.
“It's just as sweet and tasty as I remember,” she said, “Oh, but you dislike sweets, don’t you? Perhaps my mana is unpleasant for you? Maybe I should change it a little to lessen the swee—”
“Absolutely not.”
My gaze turned cold. She was casually suggesting being dyed with a color other than mine. I drained the rest in a single swallow and set both cups aside.
Whatever confidence she had a moment ago vanished from her expression. “Um… Ferdinand? Are you angry?”
A smile played on my lips. With the permission she had given me, there was no longer any need to hesitate. I reached out and unraveled the ribbon that held her hair in place. In one smooth languid motion, her midnight tresses spilled free, cascading down her back like the night sky. It had been some time since I last saw her hair down.
“You are not wearing the hairpin I gave you?” I asked, letting the strands slip through my fingers.
“My attendants said there was no need if you would be untying my hair tonight, so…”
The only ornament that she elected to wear tonight was the engagement necklace I made. The regish feystone rested on her chest beautifully, catching the light every subtle movement. And while it satisfied me to know that only I, her husband, is allowed to decorate her skin. It vexes me that she did not grasp the significance of wearing your partner's feystone on your wedding night.
When I lifted a few locks of hair, the faint scent of dried apfelsiege, her favorite rinsham, drifted in the air. The fragrance was almost intoxicating.
It took me a moment to notice the slight tremor of her shoulders. Her eyes were squeezed shut and her hands tightly balled atop her thighs.
“Do you want me to stop?”
“I am… I’m fine. Just a little ticklish and… nervous.”
“I see.” I called her name and opened my arms. “Perhaps a hug might ease you?"
As expected, she all but threw herself into my embrace. Her arms tightened around my back, and made a satisfied sough. I wrapped my arms around her in turn, feeling the tension gradually leave her body as her breathing steadied. Yet the closer her body pressed on me, the stronger her scent became—clouding my thoughts more dangerously than ever. The chains of my restraint wavered and I buried my face on her neck to drew in a breath.
Rozemyne gave a small, helpless whimper. “F-Ferdinand… this is bad.”
“What is?” I asked, unwilling to lift my head.
“A hug is supposed to be comforting, but my heart won’t calm down at all! What are we supposed to do?”
“You truly are impossible."
I loosened my embrace while laughing at her remarks, brought both of my hands to her face, and guide her closer. Her cheeks were warm and soft beneath my palms. Those golden eyes widened while her face slowly ripened like rutrebs. She had her mouth opening and closing as though she wished to protest. I couldn't help but chuckle, I find it enjoyable to tease her.
I closed the distance and brushed my lips against hers. She tensed at first before gradually relaxing. So, I went in for another kiss… and another. I took my time, watching every flicker of expression she made. When she parted her lips the slightest bit, I slipped my tongue inside, not missing the chance to directly taste her.
The world narrowed until there was nothing but her.
Rozemyne's faint gasps spilled between our kisses. Her fingers grabbed a handful of my robe, as if unsure whether to pull me closer or hold me back. My mana had a mind of its own and poured freely into her. I chased and sought after her exquisite taste. When I let her go, her golden eyes desperately tried to meet mine. They looked bewitchingly hazy and wet with tears. On a closer look, there was a faint glow of different colors that covered her eyes.
I savored the lingering flavor. “Your mana really is exceptionally sweet."
“That’s unfair… You’re too good at this."
The corners of my lips rose. “Then allow me to teach you properly.” I have the intention of enclosing her in winter immediately but Rozemyne pressed a hand on my chest to stop me.
"Ferdinand, we haven't activated the magic tools and it's still bright!” she exclaimed. “Turn the lights off first, please."
“Is that truly necessary?” It would be easier to gauge her condition if I could clearly see her, but for some reason, Rozemyne glared at me and magically spawned a pillow to smack me squarely in face.
"No lights and that's final!"
Fine…
I activated the anti-eavesdropping tool before dimming the lamps. Before she could complain that it was still bright, I sealed her lips once more.
She let out a startled sound when I carried her toward the center of the bed. Her nightgown was fastened by a simple ribbon so I loosened it without difficulty. She scrambled to hold it in place with her hands.
I lowered my mouth to her neck and trailed kisses downward. She quivered each time I touched her. But my own clothing felt unbearably tight so I took my robes off. Rozemyne had a stunned look while watching me undress.
"Do you still wish for me to continue?"
“I already told you, I’m fine. So please… dye me in your colors.”
“Now you know how to use that phrase? Very well.”
After getting her permission, I slipped the nightgown from her shoulders. The pale skin revealed beneath the cloth stole my breath. My fingers traced the curve of her shoulder, feeling the softness of her skin, committing every sensation to my memory.
“Ferdinand,” she tried to hide herself with her hands.
“I am here,” I bent down to kiss the hollow of her throat, letting my mana soothe her in waves. “There is nothing for you to fear.”
She turned her head aside.
“You hide yourself as though I have not already vowed to protect every part of you,” I said, brushing her collarbone. “Let me see you.”
When she loosened her arms, I traced her mound thoroughly with my lips. She gasped and clutched the sheets.
"Does it tickle or does it feel good?”
“I-I don’t know."
I left slow, deliberate kisses across her bosom, leaving only faint marks that would fade by morning.
“Everything about you makes me greedy, Rozemyne.”
She squirmed, her cheeks tinge with rouge even in the darkness. “Don’t say it like that…”
“Why not?” My hands slid towards her waist and caressed the curves of her body. She grasped my back, holding dearly as if I might disappear.
“Breathe. If it becomes too much, tell me. Otherwise… I will continue.”
When did I begin to desire another person this deeply? I was meant to live as nothing more than a feystone, yet here I am, sharing this life with the person most precious to me. My days are now filled with things I never imagined I would have—all because of a book-obsessed commoner girl who somehow chose me to become her family.
What will tomorrow bring? I find myself looking forward to it.
What should I call these emotions?
Maybe it's that—the same words Rozemyne said to me a year ago. I whispered them back and, my goddess who gave me everything smiled brightly like a genblur blooming in spring.