Chapter 24: The Night After

Reika stood by the large window, gazing at the moonlit gardens below. The silver nightgown seemed to shimmer in the pale light, the delicate fabric clinging to her figure. She looked tranquil, her hands clasped in front of her, but her thoughts were far from it. Behind her, Ileus entered the room.He was in a loose white shirt and dark trousers.He cleared his throat, drawing her attention. Reika turned, her expression calm but curious. "My king," she greeted, her voice soft. "I—" Ileus began, then broke off. He ran a hand through his hair; his composure threatened to break. "I thought it best to speak with you before. before the night progresses." Reika tilted her head to one side, a small smile playing on her lips. "Of course. What's on your mind? Ileus stepped up to her, his eyes looking aside. "I must be frank with you, Reika. I am not. prepared for some expectations that may accompany tonight." His voice did not shake, but the light flush spreading up his neck told another story. Reika regarded him for a moment, her smile spreading. "You mean you're a virgin," she said matter-of-factly. Ileus's eyes snapped to hers, shock and mild indignation flashing across his face. "How could you possibly know that?" Reika chuckled lightly and walked closer to him, the moonlight illuminating her features. "I have my ways. And if it eases your mind, I am too." He blinked, taken aback. "You are? "Yes," she said, her voice soft. "And like you, I don't think we should rush into anything that we are not ready for. We have time, Ileus. Time to learn about each other, to build trust." Her words dissipated the tension in his shoulders. "You're. very understanding," he said, quieter now. Reika smiled. "It's only logical. Love and connection aren't forged in haste. They take patience." The awkwardness of the moment passed, and Ileus, feeling a little lighter, suggested they have a private dinner together in the grand hall. 'Something more informal," he said as they walked down the quiet corridors. 'I think we've both had enough of ceremonial pomp for one day." Reika agreed, and soon they were seated at a long, elegantly set table in the grand hall. The servants brought out a simple but delicious meal: roasted pheasant, freshly baked bread, and spiced wine. "This feels more real," Ileus said, cutting into his meal. "No audience, no expectations." Reika smiled as she sipped her wine. "It's a relief, isn't it? To be away from all the prying eyes and whispered judgments." "Yes," Ileus said. He turned a thoughtful expression on her, his gaze weighty. "You know, I never imagined my wedding day would go this way. Or that my bride would be so. composed." Reika cocked an eyebrow. "Were you anticipating a weeping damsel or scheming noblewoman?" He chuckled; the sound was deep, warm, and echoed loudly in the large hall. "Honestly, I didn't expect much. But you keep astounding me with surprises." "Nice surprises, I hope?" Teasingly, her voice hiked a notch, mischievous glints dancing across her eyes. "Mostly," he admitted on a wide grin. --- As dinner ended, they took off towards their chambers. Reika, however, noticed at once a pile of throw pillows on the bed. "What is this?" Reika asked, gesturing to the absurd amount of pillows. Ileus shrugged. "A decorator's idea of elegance, I suppose. But it's impractical." Reika picked up a pillow and examined it. "Impractical, yes. But perhaps useful for other things." Before he could ask what she meant, she tossed the pillow at him and hit him squarely in the chest. He stared in shock a moment before laughing. "Oh, so that's how it is?" Reika picked up another pillow, smirking. "I thought we could use some levity after such a long day." Ileus grabbed a pillow of his own. "Very well. If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get!" The two of them engaged in a spirited pillow fight, laughter filling the room as feathers flew and the carefully arranged decor was thrown into disarray. For the first time that day, Ileus felt truly at ease. Eventually, they collapsed onto the bed, breathless and grinning. 'You're full of surprises," Ileus said, looking at her. Reika propped herself up on one elbow, her smile fading into something softer. "You'll find I have many sides, Ileus. But I hope you'll come to like them all." He watched her, his face contemplative. She was radiant in the soft candlelight, her hair tousled from their impromptu game, her cheeks flushed. And for the first time, he began to see her not just as a strategic partner but as someone he genuinely could care for. "I think I already do," he said quietly. The words hung between them, heavy with meaning unsaid. Slowly, he leaned closer, his hand brushing hers. Their eyes met, and for a moment, it seemed inevitable that they would kiss. But Reika placed a gentle hand on his chest, stopping him. "Not yet," she said softly. Ileus pulled back, a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to- Reika shook her head. "Don't apologize. It's not that I don't want to. But some things are better when they happen naturally, in their own time." He nodded, respecting her boundaries. "You're right. I can wait." --- The rest of the evening passed quietly. They talked for a while, sharing stories from their pasts, before eventually retiring to their separate sides of the bed. As Ileus drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but think about the woman beside him. Rieka was unlike anyone he had ever met-mysterious, confident, and surprisingly kind. For her part, Rieka lay awake for a while, her mind already planning her next moves. The night had gone just as she had hoped, and she was pleased with the way things were unfolding. Ileus was starting to trust her, and that trust would be her greatest weapon in the battles to come. She smiled to herself, her eyes closing as finally sleep claimed her.