(TW: Violence)
The morning sun painted Windridge tower in soft shades of gold, its gentle rays filtering through the curtains and dancing upon the intertwined figures of Callidus and Cressida. Callidus stirred, his eyes fluttering open as a warm sensation spread through his chest. For a brief moment, he was disoriented, still lost in the hazy remnants of his dream.
As he shifted, Cressida nuzzled her head against his chest, her fingers curling slightly against his nightshirt. Callidus smiled down at her, a delirious happiness bubbling up within him.
She cared for him.
She cared for him enough to give their unconventional relationship a chance.
Callidus shifted closer to her, pressing a soft kiss against her forehead. A gentle breeze brushed a strand of hair away from her face, and he whispered, "Oh Cressida, you have no idea how much you mean to me."
His whispered words caused Cressida to stir, blinking sleepily as she looked up at him, "Morning," she mumbled, her voice a soft, melodic murmur.
"Good morning, my beautiful Marigold," Callidus replied, his voice infused with an uncontrollable joy. He brushed another strand of hair away from her face, this time with his fingers, his touch lingering against her skin.
Cressida's lips curved into a small smile, "You seem... unusually happy today," she mumbled, before she let out a soft yawn, the air enthusiastically filling her lungs.
The warmth in Callidus's heart expanded further, a glowing smile breaking across his features. "I am," he confessed, "Waking up beside you always brings me happiness."
"Yeah, but you usually save the manic grinning until at least the afternoon," she murmured as she snuggled into the crook of his shoulder, her sleepy movements causing an affectionate rush within him.
Callidus responded with another loving kiss to her head, his fingers tracing soothing patterns in her hair, mimicking a gesture she had once done for him. "I had a wonderful dream," he confessed, his voice filled with fondness. "And then I woke up to an even more beautiful reality."
In response to his touch, she emitted a sound of contentment that resonated against his chest. "...that feels nice."
"I'm glad it feels nice," he whispered, his breath a warm caress, "Being here with you, in this moment, means everything to me. All I ever want is to make you feel wonderful, my love."
Cressida's hum of contentment deepened at his words, a soft and dreamy smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "...cute," she mumbled, looking as if she could fall back asleep any second.
The sheer adorableness of her sleepy state swelled within him, rendering him nearly breathless with emotion, until he registered what she had said.
"...you think I'm cute?"
"...yeah."
He maintained the gentle rhythm of stroking her hair, sensing the tension in her body gradually melting away as lulled her to the brink of sleep.
He whispered, "And why is that?"
A soft, incoherent sound escaped her as if she couldn't find the right words.
Callidus gently probed, "But I'm cute?"
Cressida let out a giggled breath, "...yeah," she replied, her words a soft, slurred confession. "...actually.... like snakes."
Callidus's heartbeat quickened, and he moved in closer, eager to catch every word she spoke.
"What did you say, my love?"
YOU ARE READING
Book Two: The Larkspur's Longing ~ A tale of deep obsession and devotion
Romance(Sequel to The Marigold's Larkspur) Crown Prince Callidus finds himself on the cusp of achieving his dreams. With Princess Cressida by his side, the woman he has long yearned for, their future seems promising. However, a formidable obstacle threaten...
