Can love be green? [Vinsmoke Yonji]

04. Leaving home sweet home

Y/n opened her eyes slowly as the first rays of morning sunlight slipped through the curtains, bathing the room in a soft golden glow. For a long moment, she simply lay still, listening to the steady rhythm of another person's breathing beside her.

Yonji.

The memory of yesterday's wedding returned all at once. They were married now.

She turned her head carefully. He was still asleep, one arm lazily resting across the mattress between them. His green hair was slightly tousled from the night, and without his usual cocky grin, he looked almost peaceful.

Not wanting to wake him, she slipped quietly out of bed. Her feet met the cool floor as she stretched before making her way to the adjoining bathroom. She showered, changed into a simple white mid-length dress, slipped her wedding ring back onto her finger, and gently dried her hair with a towel. It was still slightly messy, but she doubted anyone would mind.

Just as she reached for her brush, she heard a sleepy groan from the bedroom. "Already getting ready?"

She glanced over her shoulder. Yonji was sitting up in bed, rubbing one eye while the sheets rested loosely around his waist. The moment he saw her, a familiar smirk spread across his face. "You're making your husband look bad," he teased, stretching his arms above his head. "The least you could've done was wake me up before you started looking all pretty."

She rolled her eyes. "You were sleeping."

"I was sleeping next to my wife." His grin only widened, clearly entertained by the way the word made her avert her gaze. "Thought I'd enjoy that privilege while I could."

"You're impossible."

"So I've been told."

He climbed out of bed and wandered toward the bathroom. "Give me a few minutes," he called over his shoulder. "Then we'll go have breakfast."

While he showered, she finished brushing her hair and sat near the window, absentmindedly turning her wedding ring around her finger as she watched the morning light spread across the sea. It still felt strange. Only yesterday, she had been Princess of Aogu. Now she was Princess of Germa.

A few minutes later, the bathroom door opened. Yonji stepped out, already dressed in his green Germa uniform. His damp hair was pushed back, though a few rebellious strands had already fallen onto his forehead.

He walked over and, with exaggerated elegance, offered her his arm. "Shall we, Princess?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Practicing your manners?"

"My brothers keep saying I don't have any."

A small smile escaped her. "Then I suppose I should encourage the effort."

She slipped her hand through his arm, and together they left their room.

The palace corridors were already alive with activity. Servants hurried back and forth carrying trunks, documents, and supplies while others prepared the royal escort that would accompany Germa's delegation to the harbor. Everyone they passed bowed respectfully to the newly married couple. Neither of them spoke much. The closer they came to the dining hall, the heavier her heart became. The grand doors stood open.