The morning light filtered through the silk curtains of their room, casting gentle light across the rumpled bedsheets.
Grim started to stretch as he woke to find Ruxi already awake, her head still resting on his chest while she traced lazy circles across his skin with her fingertips.
"Good morning, husband," she said softly.
"Good morning, wife," he replied, enjoying how natural the words felt. "Sleep well?"
"Eventually," she said with a smile that made him remember the previous night's activities. "Though I'm not complaining about what kept me awake."
Grim chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Any regrets about yesterday?"
"Only that we have to get up and face reality," Ruxi replied, though her tone remained light. "The council will expect us to make appearances today, and I suspect Húxiān will want to discuss your training."
As if summoned by her words, a soft knock came at their door.
