Knock knock knock
"Sienna, are you asleep? It's your Aunt Cuilan."
Hearing the knock and voice, Sienna quickly opened the door and invited her in.
Cuilan held Sienna's hand and sat down on the bed. "Sienna, now that you've married Rowan, life might be a bit hard on you."
"It's not hard."
"Good girl. Rowan is a soldier. You never know when he might... Anyway, let's not talk about that. Here, this is for you." She handed over some money and continued, "This is 400 yuan—200 from Rowan, 100 from the family, and another 100 from your uncle and me."
As soon as she realized it was money, Sienna tried to give it back. "No, I can't take it."
Seeing that, Cuilan stopped her. "Silly girl, this is your bride price. You must take it. Hide it well. Don't lose it."
"Give it to Rowan."
Cuilan touched her head gently and said, "No, this is yours. Keep it safe. After you go to the base, if you need money, use Rowan's salary. Don't touch your own money, okay?"
"He's a man. He's supposed to earn money and take care of you. Don't try to save money for him. As a woman, you must have your own money. That makes you strong. If he ever bullies you, call me. I'll teach him a lesson."
"No hitting."
"Alright, no hitting."
"Sienna, did you remember everything I told you? Is there anything you forgot?"
"I remembered." Then she repeated everything Cuilan had said.
Seeing that Sienna really remembered, Cuilan felt relieved. She still trusted her son once they were at the base.
"Then I'll leave now. Get some rest."
She left and closed the door behind her.
The next morning, Rowan took Sienna back to her own house.
Soon, the wedding escort arrived. It was a simple process. There was no door-blocking or anything like that. Rowan easily walked in and picked up his bride.
At first, Sienna resisted a little. She didn't want him to carry her. Even though she noticed he wasn't physically weak, she still felt he seemed too delicate.
Rowan noticed her struggling and gently coaxed her, "Be good, don't move."
Hearing that, she immediately stayed still and let him carry her home.
The wedding ceremony was just making a vow in front of the great leader. Then it was done. The guests started eating. Rowan's three fellow soldiers, his oldest and second brothers, and Shiyan helped entertain the other guests. Rowan took Sienna to the county office to get their marriage certificate.
By the time they came back, everything had been cleaned up. There was nothing left for them to do.
Cuilan saw them return and said, "You're back? Is everything done?"
"All done." Rowan handed her the marriage certificate, and Cuilan took it to show her husband.
"Come take a look." After they looked at it, she returned it to Rowan.
"Alright, go rest. It's getting late."
Rowan took Sienna back to their wedding room.
"Wife, wait here. I'll get water for you to wash up."
"Rowan, it's okay. I'll do it. I'm strong."
"Hm? Didn't I say, now that we're married, you should call me husband?"
"Honey, let me do it."
"No need. Just sit here and wait like a good girl. Be obedient."
When Sienna heard that, she stopped moving and quietly sat there, waiting for Rowan to finish.
Soon he came back into the room carrying hot water. "Sweetheart, it's ready. Soak yourself in the warm water. When you're done, call me. Don't do it on your own."
"Okay, husband."
Rowan walked out. He also needed to clean up, so he went to the temporary washing area and quickly rinsed off with cold water.
He waited outside, ready to help once Sienna was done.
As he listened to the water sounds coming from inside, he thought about his soft, gentle wife. His heart burned with warmth. They were married now, and tonight was their wedding night. From this day forward, she was his.
There was no denying he was attracted to her beauty. That was why he agreed to marry her. But now that they were married, he would take responsibility, care for her, and love her.
Thinking about coming home from training to someone waiting for him felt like happiness. If they had a little daughter who looked like her, that would be even better.
"Husband…"
"Husband."
"Yeah? What is it, sweetheart? Are you done soaking?"
"Yes, husband. I'm done. You can come in now."
Rowan pushed the door open. He hadn't realized he'd been lost in thought.
As he stepped inside, he saw Sienna just out of the bath. Her long, wet hair was black and shiny. Her eyes were bright as she looked at him. She wore a long dress, standing there elegantly, stunning and beautiful.
His pupils shrank sharply, heat flashing in his eyes. His fingers curled slightly as he quickly looked away, walked forward, picked up the wash basin, and carried it out.
Sienna noticed the heat in his eyes but didn't understand why.
Rowan soon came back in. Seeing her still standing there, he walked over and gently picked her up, setting her down on the bed. He started to dry her hair, his fingers brushing softly through her smooth strands.
Her hair dried quickly. The room grew quiet and a little awkward. Rowan didn't know what to say.
When he looked down, he saw Sienna staring at him with bright eyes. He leaned in and kissed her. She was his, and only his.
The mood slowly turned more intimate. Sienna looked completely lost and unsure of what to do.
Rowan noticed her stunned look and how she'd even forgotten to breathe. He let out a low laugh. She was too cute.
"Sienna, you have to breathe. Don't hold your breath."
"Oh… okay."
Seeing her like this, Rowan kissed her again. This time, his hands started to explore. Slowly, Sienna softened in his arms. He held her as they lay down on the bed.
The night was long, and it was only the beginning.
"Husband, let's sleep. I'm tired."
"Okay, Sienna, be good. Let's just sleep, alright?"
"But I don't want to move anymore. I'm going to sleep now."
"Sienna, just one more time…"
No one knew how long had passed before the room finally went quiet. Outside, the moon disappeared behind the clouds, maybe hiding from shyness.