Chapter 120: Shadows of Want
Alaric nodded and turned to Salviana. "Would you like to see?"
"Koi eggs?" she asked, standing as he did.
"Yes," he said, guiding her to a smaller pond nearby. "Breeding them is an art. The eggs are delicate, and only the strongest survive. It takes time and care, but it’s worth it when they grow into something so remarkable."
The nursery pond was shaded, with gentle currents circulating to protect the tiny eggs. Alaric knelt again, inspecting the water. "Look closely," he said.
Salviana leaned in, her eyes catching the faint shimmer of translucent eggs clinging to the rocks and plants. "They’re so small," she marveled.
"And fragile," Alaric said. "But soon, they’ll hatch, and the fry will grow. They’ll need protection, good water, and the right food. It’s a process, but one I enjoy."
Salviana smiled, watching him. "You talk about them the way I talk about salvia flowers."
Alaric chuckled. "Perhaps we’re not so different after all."
They spent the next hour wandering the area, talking about the koi and their shared love for nature. Salviana admired how much care Alaric put into something so delicate, a stark contrast to his usual commanding presence.
As they walked back to the castle, Salviana’s thoughts lingered on the koi and the surprising layers of her husband. She reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his.
"You’re full of surprises, Alaric," she said softly.