Music Recommendation: Stand by Me – Ben E. King (1961).
"I understand now, and fine..." Aurelia sighed, the soft, warm breath rustling the fine lace along the collar of her gown. "I will stay inside the castle walls until we ride for Caelmont."
Aurelia released a long sigh from within Valerian's embrace, the sound carrying the quiet resignation of a woman who had finally realized that arguing with her husband about her safety was a battle she would not win today.
Valerian's posture shifted, the tight, iron tension in his broad shoulders melting away inch by inch. His arms loosened around her waist, and he lowered his head to brush a kiss against her forehead. He brought his large, calloused hands up to cup her face, his thumbs gently brushing over the high, smooth curve of her cheekbones—savoring the flawless, unblemished warmth that had replaced nine years of bitter, rotting ruin.
