She was sprawled on top of her husband and one of his hands was against her back and the other was wrapped around her waist.

A smile blossomed on her face. Remembering how her husband had reacted made her embarra.s.sment lessen just a little. He had not seemed as reluctant as she had been expecting.

Even though she really would have liked to stay like this for longer, Zylvia pushed herself up. She was stopped though and pulled back down. Kaldrek smiled lazily at her. His eyes were barely open, as he murmered "Stay."

Zylvia was unsure what to do. This was entirely uncharted territory for her, as she had never before been in a situation like this. Hiding her blus.h.i.+ng face in her husband's chest, she focused on his steady breathing. There was a rather calming effect to it.

She realized that his heartbeat was a little faster than it normally was. Kaldrek stroked her hair as she clung tightly to him.

"Zylv...I...," Kaldrek was floundering. She glanced up at his face. There was a subtle blush dusting his cheeks.

Whatever he had been going to say seemed to freeze in his mouth as he stared at her. A helpless smile lifted his mouth. Lifting her up, he sweetly, gently, brushed his lips against hers.

Not satisfied with his overly chaste kiss, she kissed him more deeply, trying to catch his tongue again. For a second he seemed too surprised to really do anything, then he pulled her as close as possible and gave her what she wanted.

Zylvia was breathless and a little dizzy when she pulled away. She clumsily scrambled off of him as she went to get dressed.

She chose to wear a deep blue gown for the day. As she finished pulling it on, she felt a tug on her arm.

Kaldrek seated her at her dresser, picked up her brush, and started doing her hair for her. He had such a serious look on his face as he did so, that Zylvia had to stifle a laugh. Why he seemed to want to do her hair all the time she had no idea.

He picked up a strand of her hair, his grey eyes staring at it, "Your hair looks like fire."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Zylvia felt her shoulders tighten. Her hair was a bit of a sore spot for her.

Kaldrek blinked dropping the strand, "I said that aloud?" He let out a little embarra.s.sed laugh and then looked at her with a frown. "Why do you look so defensive?"

She glanced away, pursing her lips. She didn't really want to talk about this, not today. She had been in such a good mood.

"Fire is beautiful, isn't it?" Kaldrek had an utterly confused look on his face.

She stared at her husband dumbfounded. Did he actually like her hair? That would be a first. Well Fayre always told her it was pretty but that was just Fayre being Fayre.

She pulled his head down and placed a kiss on his forehead. Even if he was just being nice, it had made her feel better. That statement...if he continued saying similar things, would end up making her feel special. Especially as he wasn't the sort to say those sort of things meaninglessly.

As she left their room and headed for some breakfast, she latched onto her husband's arm. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed his mouth curve upwards.

She was feeling famished. But as she headed for the food table, Kaldrek stopped her. Zylvia looked at him confused as he had her sit down. He filled up two plates and sat beside her, "Here. Eat."

Zylvia felt a warmth travel throughout her. Her husband was really thoughtful! She snuck glances at him as she ate. Catching her, he smiled at her, leaned over and kissed her forehead. "You can stare openly at me if you want, Zylv. I don't mind."

"Kaldrek!" She shoved him away with a blush creeping up her skin, but she still couldn't keep a smile off her face.

After they finished eating, her husband took the dishes and dealt with them. "Going to spend time with the queen?"

"Yes."

He made to open the door for her, "Well-"

Zylvia reached out and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards her. With her other hand she grabbed the front of his s.h.i.+rt and pulled him down a little. She gave him a lingering kiss, "I'll see you later." She was aware she sounded a little breathless.

"Mhmm. See you, Zylv."

She headed off to go see her best friend. But her thoughts were still on the man she had just left behind her.