Chapter 52: Sparkle
"Don’t disturb us. No one should be on the fourth floor. At all," I say to the maid and Roman, my voice holding a threat that brooks no argument. I don’t intend for us to be interrupted. Not tonight.
With Noelle’s hand in mine, I ascend the stairs, each step dragging me further into my own need for solitude with him. My heart thunders in my chest, my patience wearing thin with how far the room still feels. All I want is a moment of peace with him, alone and away from prying eyes.
"You know, your reputation as the feared general might be in tatters after tonight," Noelle teases with a playful laugh.
"I never cared about my reputation, my star," I reply, keeping my voice steady as I finally lead him to the door of our room. Our room. The largest in the manor, built to impress, but at this moment, all I care about is that it’s where we’ll be alone. I push open the heavy door, revealing the spacious bedroom within.
"Wow," Noelle breathes out, his eyes wide as he takes it all in. "I think our old home could fit in here four times over."
He’s right. The room is grand, with high ceilings and a canopy bed draped in rich fabrics that scream luxury. The deep mahogany furniture and thick velvet curtains give the space an air of power, but I find myself paying more attention to him than the room itself. His amazement makes the grandeur seem worth it. As much as I’ve grown used to these luxuries, it’s his reaction that makes me appreciate them again.
I watch him as he moves through the space, admiring the way his eyes light up as they take in the intricate details. I could stand here forever, just watching him.
"Is it just me, or does this place feel a little... bland?" Noelle remarks, his voice bouncing off the massive, almost impersonal space.
"It is. I wanted you to do the finishing touches," I reply, already knowing that he’ll turn this cold, grandiose room into something warm and lived-in, like our old home.