The first light of dawn crept through the tall, arched windows, brushing the stone walls with pale gold. Eliana stirred, blinking against the soft light. She realized with a start that her head rested on Sebastian's stretched arm, and his other arm was draped protectively across her waist.
Her pulse jumped. She didn't remember moving into this position. How had they ended up like this? A shiver ran down her spine, equal parts fear, thrill, and embarrassment.
Sebastian's breathing was steady, deep, yet there was a tautness to his body that told her he never truly relaxed. And yet… tonight, he had fallen into a sleep so sound, so complete, that the castle itself seemed to exhale in relief.
Eliana's cheeks burned crimson. She gently slid her head from his arm, careful not to disturb him. But as she moved, his eyes fluttered open, dark and unreadable.
"Good morning," he murmured, voice low, rich, and teasing. A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "You're awake already… planning to escape?"
Eliana's heart raced. She lowered her gaze, unable to meet his piercing stare. "N-no… I…" Her voice faltered, shy and soft.
Sebastian stretched lazily, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You're blushing," he observed, voice husky. "I do hope you didn't dream of me."
Eliana's cheeks turned even redder. She fumbled, wishing for the floor to swallow her whole. She rose quietly from the bed, letting the silk of the sheets whisper behind her as she padded softly toward the chamber doors.
Outside, Liora waited, her presence a steady comfort.
"My lady?" Liora asked softly, noting the flush in Eliana's cheeks.
Eliana paused, gathering her thoughts. She lowered her gaze, voice barely audible. "Liora… last night… he was… patient, calm… and gentle with me." She hesitated, cheeks burning. "He didn't… push me. He… understood that I… I was nervous…"
Liora's eyes softened, understanding immediately.
Eliana took a deep breath. "I need to know… what to do tonight," she admitted, voice trembling slightly. "I want to… I don't want to embarrass myself again. Please… teach me. I need to be ready… to fulfill my duty… as his wife."
Liora nodded carefully, her expression gentle. She began instructing Eliana with patience and discretion, explaining the subtle ways to move, respond, and maintain her dignity, while respecting Sebastian's presence and commands.
Meanwhile, Sebastian lay in the bed, watching her retreating form with an amused, dark glint in his eyes. He stretched fully, realizing for the first time in far too long that he had slept deeply, soundly. A rare, fleeting smile crossed his lips.
"Perhaps," he murmured to himself, "there is something about her… that unsettles and grounds me all at once."
Eliana returned to her chamber after Liora's lessons, nervous but determined, aware that tonight she would step further into the life she had promised—both frightened and strangely exhilarated by the world Sebastian had claimed her for.