Chapter Text
“Close your eyes, and don’t peek.” Wriothesley’s hands rested gently on her shoulders from behind. He was waiting for her outside the Palais Mermonia.
“Where are you taking me?” Clorinde asked, curiosity lacing her voice as she complied.
“Patience. You’ll see soon enough.” She could practically hear the smile in his words.
The warm scent of freshly cooked food wafted toward her, blending with the humming cacophony of conversations and clinking silverware—a clear sign they’d arrived somewhere bustling. “Alright, you can open your eyes now.”
Her eyes fluttered open and she took in the busy restaurant. “I thought we had dinner at home?”
“Clorinde… you didn't forget, did you?”
“Forget what?”
“Our anniversary.”
Her heart sunk into her stomach, and her breath hitched. February 15th. One full year of marriage had already passed right by them. “It's today? Wriothesley, I'm so sorry... It completely slipped my mind. I've been so busy with work and-"
He reached a hand to cup her cheek. “It's okay. I could tell you were having a busy week, which is why I wanted to spoil you tonight with something special.”
“You really shouldn't have! Dinner at home with you would have been just as good of an anniversary dinner.”
“Yeah, but my wife deserves to be spoiled for her first anniversary, and every other one after that.” He smirked.
“I'm not even dressed for the occasion! I just got off work, and I'm utterly exhausted.”
“You don't need a fancy dress. I'd happily take you out even if you only wore a bathrobe.” He stroked her cheek. “Come on, I got us a reservation.”
He led her inside with an almost possessive hand on the small of her back. He pulled out a chair for her before taking a seat himself and ordering an expensive bottle of wine. “Order whatever you want tonight, my love.”
Her eyes quickly scanned the menu. There was too much to choose from. She almost wanted to try one of everything, as she had never visited the restaurant before. She stared at the menu for a moment longer before her favourite dish caught her eye, duck breast with Bulle Fruit sauce. “I'll have this!”
“And how would you like your duck cooked, mademoiselle?”
“Rare, quite rare, very rare. Actually, tell the chef to cook it for only three minutes on each side,” she told the waiter.
He hesitantly wrote down her request but wasn't one to judge a lady's preference. “And for you, your Grace?”
“Just some ribs, medium-rare.”
“I'll bring that out shortly.”
About twenty minutes later, they received their meals. Clorinde happily dug into duck breast.
“This is delicious! You have to try a bite,” she exclaimed, holding out a small piece on her fork
for him.
“Erm- I'll pass. It's all yours.” While Wriothesley was sure his wife’s favourite dish tasted great, the meat threw him off by still being pink in some parts. Even after all his years having meals at the Fortress, some more questionable than others, they were at least somewhat cooked.
“Are you sure?”
“I'm sure. But here, have some of the ribs.” He cut off some of the meat and placed it on her plate.
Their meal went by quickly, but they both enjoyed it. They reflected on the past year and their new life as husband and wife, the busyness of their lives, and hopes for their bright future.
“Maybe next year, we’ll be too busy for a night out like this,” he spoke
“Perhaps work and other things will get in the way, but I promise I won't forget next year.”
“Even if you did, I won't be mad.”
Soon enough, the night came to a close. They finished their desserts, and Wriothesley paid the bill before leading her back outside. “So, would you rather go home or walk around some more?”
“Could we go home? If that's okay and you don't have more planned for us, that is.”
“We can go home. Even better for me.”
“Really? You're tired too?”
“Not necessarily, but it does mean I'm one step closer to ravishing you.” He spoke lowly into her ear as he pulled her in closer by her waist.
“I knew you wouldn't want to leave the night empty-handed. How about we do take that walk, just to draw out our special day a little longer?”
He chuckled and scooped her up, carrying her bridal style. “Better be a quick walk then.” He practically ran while carrying her in his arms. He did a few laps around the park and the block before going home.
The moment they walk through the front door. Their lips met in a heated rush and Clorinde's arms were instantly around his neck as she pressed deep kisses against his lips. Hers still tasted like Bulle fruit. Wriothesley’s hands found their way to her waist, pulling her closer until there was nothing between them but shared breath and heartbeats.
They fell into each other, Wriothesley kissed her deeply, savouring every touch as if it were their first and last. “I could never tire of this,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.
As they walked up the stairs, they hastily removed the outer layers of their clothing, still trying to be touching all the while. Upstairs, their clothes fell away piece by piece, discarded in the hallway and stairs as they moved together
Once they reached their bedroom, he had already tossed her onto the bed, covering her body with his. Wriothesley’s hands found her waist, pulling her close, and for a moment, the world beyond them faded. They had shared many nights like this, but tonight felt different, as if the future was waiting just beyond their touch, unknown and yet inevitable.
She smiled against his lips, trying to push the nagging thoughts aside—the ones that whispered about their future, about the changes that might come sooner than she was ready for. Whatever it was, it would come in its own time.
For now, this moment was theirs.