Upon returning from the formal gathering, Daymond handed his stifling dress jacket to a servant, his gaze immediately turning towards the stairs.
“The Grand Duchess is currently resting.”
“No need to wake her.”
At the maid’s offer to announce his return, Daymond quietly gestured for her to stay silent, not wanting to disturb Anne’s rest. He was eager to see her sleeping face.
Entering the bedroom quietly, he found Anne asleep on the couch in front of the balcony.
She should be sleeping comfortably in bed. Daymond gently shielded her face from the sunlight pouring over her with his palm.
Though Anne had insisted she didn’t need a vacation, her tension seemed to have eased since arriving here, leading to an increase in her naps. Daymond quietly observed her as she breathed evenly, finding peace in letting her rest.
Anne’s sleeping face was serene, as if without a worry. Even her soft murmurs in sleep were lovely that it made his heart flutter.
“Anne.”
As the sun began to set, he gently caressed her cheek and softly called her name. Stirring slightly, Anne’s eyelids fluttered open.
Gradually, his image filled her clear, blue eyes. Seeing Daymond’s face as vivid as if engraved, a smile spread across her face upon seeing him.
“Why are you so late?”
As she sat up into Daymond’s arms, Anne pulled him to sit beside her and leaned comfortably against his broad chest. Daymond’s touch lightly brushed through Anne’s hair.
“Were you waiting for me?”
With a hint of anticipation in his voice, Anne softly laughed and slowly nodded.
“Of course. I’ve been waiting for you for a while.”
Hearing her words, Daymond couldn’t take his eyes off her. He smiled warmly, happy that she had said she was waiting for him.
“Sorry for taking so long.”
Burying his hand in her hair, Daymond’s other hand lifted her chin to meet his lips. A sweet scent flowed from her soft lips.
Their breaths quickly grew hot. As his tongues entwined more intensely inside her and the sensation of their lips deepened, her heart raced.
She was gently pulled closer as a force wrapped the back of Anne’s head and pulled it. Anne’s grip on Daymond’s collar tightened as his tongue lapped the inside of her mouth in a sticky mess. Daymond thoroughly explored her lips driven by her excited breath.
Exchanging breaths, smiles naturally appeared on Anne and Daymond’s faces, just as they always did.
It was another ordinary day in their blissful life.
*
Even after that, Anne and Daymond spent one of the most leisurely times ever in the city where flowers bloomed all year round. As Daymond had said, there was no short stay planned, and their time in the Yantilia estate grew longer.
Setting aside their positions as Grand Duke and Duchess and living without anyone’s scrutiny brought a pleasant and liberating feeling. The soft white sand beaches, interspersed with rocky formations and sun all year long, provided unexpected joy, making their days together far from dull.
During the day, they spent their time leisurely at the estate or exploring the city, and at night, they enjoyed opera performances in the central amphitheater. The emotion of a midsummer night’s song performance was unforgettable. On nights when the moonlight poured over the sea, Anne and Daymond would stroll along the beach.
Time flowed swiftly, like a river.
A month passed, and suddenly, it was the day before their return to the north, prompted by the concern for their son Eroel, despite setting work aside.
On their last day in Yantilia, Anne walked arm in arm with Daymond, taking a long stroll around the estate.
It was a clear day with not a cloud in sight. Passing through vines of blooming red roses, a refreshing air mixed with a strong fragrance tickled their noses. Daymond had hired a skilled gardener for Anne, who loved flowers. Seeing her expression now, it proved to be an excellent decision.
The path leading to the garden was bathed in warm sunlight without any shade from trees, yet it wasn’t too hot. The air mixed with the scent of flowers and the sea was pleasantly refreshing.
“The thought of not seeing the sea every day upon waking up feels a bit sad.”
“Don’t worry. Someday, we’ll leave the north and live here together.”
Anne looked at Daymond with a slightly surprised face.
“Settle down here?”
“This place seems peaceful enough for us to grow old together, doesn’t it?”
Following his gaze, Anne’s eyes swept over the surroundings.
The white marble building bathed in sunlight exuded tranquility and peace. Indeed, this peaceful place was perfect for escaping the cumbersome daily life and forgetting all worries.
“When Eroel becomes an adult and no longer needs our help, I think it would be nice for just the two of us to live here.”
“That doesn’t sound bad at all.”
Anne closed her eyes gracefully, then opened them with a smile.
“Since it’s our last day, let’s spend the whole day by the sea.”
With that, Anne took Daymond’s arm and led the way.
Heading down the hill in front led to a path that easily took them to the coast, revealing the winding shoreline soon after. Standing on Colt Beach, filled with pretty pebbles, Anne leaned into the wind coming from the sea and enjoyed the refreshing breeze.
Anne glanced around briefly. Being on private property, they were alone. She slipped off her shoes and gently placed her feet on the ground. The sand was hot yet soft under her feet.
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