The Sound of Austria

*10*

Peace. That's what she could describe it as. Total peace. And comfort. And love. She didn't want to leave the serene serenity that surrounded her, the warmth and cozy, yet she knew it was inevitable. Sunlight touched her skin as the early dawn rose in the room, bringing forth the start of the day and a new sight beside her. 

Delilah smiled at the peaceful face of Roderich, sound asleep. Gentle breaths left him as he held her close to against his chest. For her, it was a blanket of protection and love. Her eyes caught the bandages on his body, some white as others spotted a faded red, for the images from last night to come to mind. She sunk back into that blissful world. The feeling of being whole and complete made her nearly sing out in happiness, something she really hadn't felt in a long time. But the nagging knowledge of the day's agenda was what gave her the final push to get up.

Carefully prying his arms from around her waist, she slipped out of the bed, still gazing at the man she called her own. How did she become so lucky? Glancing at the damning clock and the file on the dresser, she pulled away. Hoping that he wouldn't be so stubborn and stay in bed like she wanted. Gathering her things for the day, Delilah made her way to the building, her mind still abuzz with Roderich and what was to come. She knew she was smiling, could feel the rosiness in her cheeks as everything rolled around. A future. A future with Roderich, her new hearing, a wonderful nation, and her career path, oh how it was all splendid. The only thing missing, a child. A small gray clouded her mind as the very thought came to her mind. How she longed for that feeling, to have life within her, a product of her and Roderich. A child with brunette waves and sparkling violet eyes like his father. The love of music radiating from them like Roderich, as her sharp mind flowed out of them as any subject was placed before them. It was something she longed for but if the world around her was true and she and Roderich would be personifications and immortals, the chance for it was slim. Even with a human. 

In truth, she understood why he was close with Heldigard and her long line of the family. It was his tie to reality. Normality to be truthful. Something that was real yet would fade years away when before him. She couldn't image the pain. Seeing the death of the person by his side for so long, someone he trusted and loved as if they were his own family. He was much stronger than he portrayed himself as. So much stronger. 

The large doors swung open to her as she made her way to his office, knowing that Hildegard was waiting for her there, ready for the news about Roderich. The woman worried about the aristocrat as much as she did, which was to say constantly. 

"I see you look well." she heard Hildegard say, "He made it home then?"

"Ja he did. Bruised and battered but ok nonetheless."

"Answer me this, how'd you make him stay home?" 

"He's still sleeping. I made him stay in bed last night even though he wanted to work."

Hildegard sighed, "That sounds like him. So how'd you keep him in bed? Drug him or tie him up?"

"I'm guessing you've done that?" Delilah chuckled at her.

"Threatened. Never got the chance to do so." she smiled at her, the woman's eyes narrowing at her, "Oh I see."

"See what?"

"You tired him out."

She glanced at her in curiosity, "What do you mean?"

Hildegard gave a wise smile, "You rolled in the sheets together, didn't you?"

Delilah felt her cheeks flush as her face drained, "How?"

"You have a light rosy afterglow of lovemaking. It's evident, especially by this old woman's eyes." she replied as her finger tapped her neck, "That and you have a love bite on your neck."