Chapter 29: The couple’s first kiss.
Lydia’s heart did a small, joyful dance as she sat up straight and saw him near the mirror.
"You do?" Her voice came out more brightly than she’d anticipated.
"Come here," he said, his expression neutral. She sweetly obeyed, stepping closer.
Standing in front of the mirror, she watched him as he faced it. He whispered, "Turn around."
He held out a small jewel wrapped in a delicate rope. It was a beautiful, almost bluish-white gem, nearly transparent, with light reflecting softly off its surface. The rope crisscrossed over it gracefully, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Lydia instantly recognized it as the magical jewel he had bought the day they met at the fair. But this one looked different—more elegant, almost like an imitation rather than the original.
Lydia frowned slightly but shook her head and waited.
He placed the jewel on her chest, and through the mirror, she watched as its crystal structure and color mirrored his eyes. It was no longer just a stone but a necklace she could wear, safely secured by the rope. She held her breath as he tied it at the back of her neck, his long fingers working with careful precision. The hair at the nape of her neck tingled under his touch.
The gem seemed to glow against her creamy skin, as if made just for her.
"Thank you. It’s beautiful," she murmured breathlessly as he finished, placing his hands on her lower belly and drawing her back so that her back pressed flush against his chest.
She was now utterly distracted. "You could have told me you were preparing it for me the other day," she said, her voice soft.
He stayed silent, lowering his head to nuzzle her neck. Lydia tilted her head back, resting it on his left shoulder.