Chapter Text
“You don’t have to do this.” She reassures him once again as Aymeric stares at her face with a look of contemplation.
“Ah, but I would like to.” He insists, lips curling into a grin, giving him a boyish look despite being a man of over 32 summers. “In fact, it would be my honor to do this every day.”
“I should not have told you about this.” She can feel her face heat up at the promise, as she feigns a show of coy protest. “Now my poor visage must suffer the consequences.”
“Nonsense.” He chuckles, taking no offense as he kisses her forehead “Nothing can mar the beautiful visage of my dear wife.”
The word rolls off Aymeric’s tongue so smoothly and familiarly as if today isn’t the first morning after they were formally wed; as if he has been practicing in his mind long before. It gave the impression that he was truly anticipating this moment.
He even insisted on indulging an old marriage tradition of her homeland to help paint her brows.
She did not think he would remember something she mentioned so long ago in passing while recalling memories of her past and yet he did. His thoughtfulness and doting of her fills her heart with joy and a feeling of contentment.
She didn’t think such a day would come; didn’t think it was possible to share such happiness with someone like this again; yet despite everything that has happened since the day they met, despite her misguided efforts to distance herself, he was willing to fight for her, patiently wait for her, comfort her and stay by her side.
She is truly fortunate to find him.
“You are biased, dear husband…” A smile naturally blooms on her face as she tests out the new endearment, “But I suppose it is my duty as your bride to let you practice. So… Please take care of me.”
The affection in her eyes mirrored his as he whispers back “Always.”