Anna awoke from deep sleep to the soft chirping of birds beyond the tent canvas.
Still drowsy, she blinked slowly and reached to her side, searching instinctively for the familiar warmth of Kyren's solid body.
Her fingers met only cool emptiness, and her eyes flew open at once. The haze of sleep vanished, replaced by sudden unease.
'Where is he? Did he leave again without telling me?'
She pushed herself upright in a rush, and—
"You're awake. How are you feeling?"
Kyren's voice came from behind her. She turned and found him already striding toward her, fully dressed—evidence that he had risen much earlier.
The grand duke closed the distance between them and gently brushed his knuckles against her warm, flushed cheek.
"Kyren!"
Relief flooded her immediately.
Without caring that the blanket had slipped from her shoulders, she wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her face against his abdomen, covered only by a thin white tunic. The scent of leather and musk wafted from him, calming her instantly.
He chuckled. "What's this? Don't tell me you had a nightmare after last night."
She lifted her head, eyes damp and earnest.
"No! I thought you left again!"
A grin tugged at his lips. "So that's what you were afraid of."
"I don't want you to leave me," she confessed, tightening her hold.
His expression softened as he stroked her hair.
"I'm not going anywhere," he assured. "And even if I did, you wouldn't be lonely anymore. You have friends now."
Anna knew he was referring to Rafe and Ayden, whom she visited regularly.
"They are not the same as you," she replied softly. "You are my husband, the most important person in my life."
He sat beside her, easing her back down.
"I would never leave without reason. And I always return, don't I? You know my duties by now."
"Yes…" she nodded, though her face dimmed at the mention of him being away.
He noticed her and attempted to distract her from the thought.
"Let me see you," he murmured. "Did I hurt you last night? I tried to hold back."
He moved her hair aside to examine the marks scattered along her neck and collarbone. Faint bruises bloomed beneath his gaze. They were less severe than before, but visible.
Embarrassed, Anna quickly crossed her arms over her chest.
"My wife is still shy after such a night," he teased with a slow smirk. "I recall someone asking me to mould her. I guess I hadn't done enough."
"Please don't tease me! It's already morning!" she protested, cheeks burning.
She bent to retrieve the fallen blanket, but his arm circled her waist and stopped her.
"Not yet. I haven't finished inspecting."
"I'm fine," she insisted. "You didn't hurt me."
"You said that last time too."
His eyes narrowed with quiet intensity, making her shift uncomfortably under his gaze.
"…I'm just a little sore," she admitted.
"Did you bleed again?" Concern sharpened his voice. "Does it hurt?"
She shook her head quickly. "No."
"Let me see for myself."
His hand moved to her thighs, rough palm brushing her soft bare skin to part them.
"Kyren, no!" she cried, flinching at his touch. "It's daytime! What if someone comes?"
He arched a brow. "Who would dare to enter without my permission? Besides, why do you have to be so wary? Have I not seen every part of you?"
Her face turned crimson. "If I were bleeding, the sheets would say so."
He paused, considering her answer and then relented.
"…Fine. I trust you."
As he withdrew, he stood up and retrieved a robe for her.
"Put this on. I'll have bath water prepared."
"My nightgown…" she glanced around. "Where is it?"
He gave her a look and replied, "It didn't survive."
A memory flashed through her mind. His impatience had caused the ribbons to snap and the fabric to tear beneath his hands. Swiftly, her blush deepened.
"Sorry about that." He just grinned.
Although he apologised, he didn't appear to feel remorseful for what he did.
"It's fine. I still have others," she said.
"I saw them and your other dresses, too," he said, with an annoyed expression. "They're too plain. I'll find you something nicer."
"I don't need fancy dresses," she objected quickly.
"You're my wife," he countered. "You should dress accordingly. I can have something brought from Tarnova."
The city offered a better selection of ladies' attire compared to the nearby settlement, which was mainly inhabited by commoners.
"No!" The response came too fast. Her expression clouded instantly. "Not Tarnova."
He caught the flicker of unease in her eyes. The mere mention of that city might have stirred memories she would rather forget.
"I see," he said quietly. "Then I'll look elsewhere."
"Please don't trouble yourself," she replied gently. "What I have is already more than enough."
He studied her a moment, appearing bothered.
"When you dress so simply, it feels as though I'm neglecting you. You become… almost invisible."
"And what is wrong with that?" she asked. "We are in a military camp. It would be improper for the commander's wife to dress lavishly in the midst of a campaign. And it would appear insensitive to the men."
He stared at her, contemplating her meaning.
"It would demoralise the men," she added. "Practical clothing suits this place better."
"Don't you like beautiful dresses?" He furrowed his fine brows.
Women were mostly the same—easily pleased by flowers, gifts, and new gowns. But she appeared to hold a quite different view when it came to self-indulgences.
"Of course I do," she admitted. "I want to look pretty for you, too. But expensive dresses are delicate and wasteful in this environment."
"I can afford them, if that's your concern."
Surely he could. As a Knight Commander, he must receive a generous stipend from his lord—or so she believed. But still…
"I know you can," she said gently. "And I'll happily wear whatever you choose for me when the time is right. But for now, allow me to remain modest. Your men will respect you more for it."
Kyren fell silent. Anna had made it clear that she had considered this not for herself, but for him.
A slow smirk returned as he found quiet satisfaction in that gentle, undemanding nature of hers.
"Very well. If you say so, " he said as he rang the bell.
"Thank you," she smiled.
As he watched her, the commander's thoughts wandered back to his conversation with Noah the night before. There was still so much about her he did not know.
Perhaps, instead of waiting idly for the investigation—which would take time—he ought to make an effort himself.
"Anna."
"Yes?"
"Would you spend the day with me?"
Her eyes widened. "With you?"
"I have nothing pressing today. I thought… I'd take you out."
"Really?" Excitement bloomed instantly across her face.
"Yes. Do you want to?"
"Of course!" she beamed. "I'd love to."
He couldn't help but smile at her radiance.
"Then dress properly," he said. "We're going out."
She nodded eagerly.
This would be their first outing together. Since his return, they had shared only nights.
Now, it would be daylight.
And Anna's heart felt lighter than it had in days.