Chapter 54 - 53 - The Unwanted Guest
After an entire day of ceremonies and formalities—greeting noble guests from various regions, dancing to orchestral music, exchanging well-rehearsed polite conversations—Armand Valderacht could finally breathe.
He sat at the edge of a large bed covered in pale cream sheets, surrounded by thin curtains that swayed gently from the breeze coming through a half-open window. Aromatic candles flickered softly in the corners of the room, casting a calming golden light.
Armand was not a man who enjoyed crowds. He didn’t care much for applause, loud laughter, or lavish praises. But tonight... everything felt worth it.
Beside him sat the woman whose face he would now see every day—the woman who had just become his lawful wife. Brigitta Lospen, now Brigitta Valderacht.
Her frame was small, but not frail. There was strength in the way she held herself, yet a gentle softness in her eyes when she turned to look at him. Her evening gown was simple, a soft ivory, far more comfortable than the ornate wedding dress she had worn earlier. Her hair was half pinned, the rest falling over her shoulders in gentle waves.
With a small smile, Armand pulled his wife into his embrace. Brigitta let out a small gasp, her body tensing in surprise. But that innocent reaction only made Armand chuckle softly, a deep and warm sound.
He then leaned forward, shifting his weight until they were lying face to face. His arm moved gently, locking her into place on the wide bed that now felt small due to the intimacy that filled the space.
They stared at each other. Long. Silent, yet filled with meaning.
Blushing slightly, Brigitta closed her eyes. She leaned in, her lips slightly pursed—shy, yet certain.
Armand froze for a moment. His heart pounded in disbelief that this moment was real. He leaned in closer, their faces just inches apart. His lips puckered, ready to meet hers. Their breaths mingled—warm, nervous, sweet.
But just as the distance narrowed to mere millimeters...