Chapter 34 Beautiful Beginning

Chapter 34 Beautiful Beginning
Izzy's eyes cracked open, her lids heavy with sleep. She stretched, arching her back and extending her arms above her head, a yawn escaping her lips. 

The morning sun crept into the room, its warm rays gently caressing her face, coaxing her awake. 

She had been so tired that Dixon coming in and out of the room since dawn hadn't roused her, not even when things unintentionally fell from his hands—a dropped book, and a clattering spoon.

"What time is it?" She mumbled, her voice husky from sleep. "I feel like I've slept for days.”

As she sat up, Dixon entered the room, his eyes scanning the space until they landed on her. “Did you wake up?” He asked, his voice soft.

Izzy raised an eyebrow, a hint of sarcasm creeping into her voice. “No. Still sleeping. This sitting-down thing is just sleepwalking.”

His face broke into a wide grin, and he chuckled, his gentle voice whispering, “good morning, my woman.” His voice was like a soft caress, sending a shiver down her spine.

Her eyes fluttered, her gaze landing on his face. “Morning.” She mumbled, her voice husky from sleep.

He chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “How are you feeling?” He asked, his hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face.

Her eyes drifted shut, her face tilting into his touch. “Tired,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Felt like I've slept for days.”

His fingers trailed down her cheek, his touch sending sparks of electricity through her body. “You should rest then.” He said, his voice low and soothing.

She shook her head, her eyes opening to meet his gaze. “No,” she whispered, her voice a little stronger. “I'm fine.”

He took a step backwards, bowed his head, and his voice took on a formal tone. “Greetings, milady. I shall be your humble servant from now on. Might I assist you in any way? Your royal highness requires only to ask.”

Her eyes widened, her gaze fixed on his bent head. She felt a flutter in her chest as he straightened, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Wondering what's going on?”

Without waiting for her response, he beamed lightly, his left arm crossed behind him with the right hand on his stomach, his head slightly tilted. “Just want you to get used to being treated like royalty back at Lydrian Marsh pack…” He said, his voice smooth.

He sat beside her, his eyes soft with adoration as he gently patted her back. "My moon, last night's activities, both in the woods and in the room must have drained you..."

She tightened her lips and nodded, her eyes drifting shut.

His gaze never left her face, his voice low. "Rise, my queen. The world outside these walls is waiting, but I'll be the one waiting for you, with a heart that's been patiently holding its breath for you to wake up."

Her eyes snapped open, a hint of surprise on her face. "You were so fast. Since when did you wake up?"

His smile was a gentle, loving caress. "I've been awake since the stars surrendered to dawn, watching you sleep, memorising every breath, every twinkle in your dreams…” 

“You don't need to ask when I woke up, my love. What matters is that I'm with you now, and I'll be with you forever."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over her face. "The tub's been filled with warm chamomile and lavender, infused with a drop of moonpetal essence, just for you…”

“I don't know your favourite dishes, but I prepared a feast fit for a queen; venison stew, roasted pheasant, boiled eggs, fresh bread, and honey-glazed ham. Eat, drink, and let the Agape wine be the whisper of my love in your ear."

Her eyes widened, her mind racing with thoughts, but she couldn't utter a word. She fixed her gaze on him, her eyes searching his face until he began to look worried.

"Did I do something wrong?" He asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, standing up naked.

He quickly grabbed the felleisen cloak and wrapped it around her, his fingers brushing against her skin. "You're more beautiful than the moon herself," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "Every inch of you is a masterpiece, a work of art created by the universe just for me."

Izzy held the cloak tight, her eyes sparkling with mirth as she headed towards the door. "I'll take my bath now," she said. "You prepare the meal."

His eyes followed her, his face a mask of adoration. "I'll prepare more than just the meal, my love. I'll prepare my heart, my soul, and every breath I take, just for you. Do you need help? Can you do it alone, or do you need me to wash your back?"

She halted, glancing back over her shoulder, a sly smile spreading across her face. "You should come with me," she said. "If not to bathe me, then definitely for something else. One thing's for sure—you won't be idle, my love.”

Dixon's eyes widened in shock and he repeated the word, his voice barely above a whisper, "My love?"

Izzy shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Isn't that what you are?"

She turned to walk out, but before she could take another step, he was behind her, his arms sweeping her off the ground. 

The felleisen cloak slipped from her body, pooling at their feet, leaving her naked in his arms.

His eyes burned with intensity as he gazed at her, his face inches from hers. "You know exactly what you are to me, don't you?" He whispered.

Izzy's eyes sparkled with mirth, her arms wrapping around his neck. "I think I do." She whispered back, her lips brushing against his ear.

His grip on her tightened, his eyes blazing with passion. "You're mine, and I'm yours." He growled, his lips claiming hers in a fierce, possessive kiss.

"You don't want us to start that again early this morning…”