~~{─────────────
Morning.
Salviana's Chambers.
Wyfkeep Castle, Wyfellon.
Wyfn-Garde.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~}~~~
Alaric lay in bed that early morning, his head propped on his palm as he watched Salviana sleep, his gaze lingering over her peaceful features.
He noticed, with a faint smile, that her nose was dusted with freckles he was sure hadn't been there days before.
Her soft, slow heartbeat reached him, drawing him closer to her, as if by its gentle rhythm alone. She looked so serene with her dark lashes fanning against her cheeks, her face was a picture of calm.
He found himself grateful, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment. Then, suddenly, her eyes fluttered open.
"Good morning, wife," he bellowed warmly, his usually guarded eyes brimming with an unusual softness as he admired her. To him she looked impossibly endearing this morning.
"Don't look at me like that," Salviana murmured, shifting under his gaze, a faint blush tinting her cheeks.
