Chapter 77
Wiping Violet clean as she lay utterly spent on the sofa, he said in a refreshingly bright tone, “You really did collapse.” Too exhausted even to speak, Violet gave no answer. In fact, she might have dozed off entirely.
Only briefly did she notice Aldrick’s presence vanish as he finished drying her between her legs. Then, after a moment’s sound, he returned to the parlor.
She played dead. After all, that’s what you do when a bear approaches—pretend to be dead.
Ignoring the footsteps at her ear, Violet clutched the blanket he’d tucked around her. Fortunately, Aldrick did not pounce again.
Instead, a cool touch at her finger made her eyes flutter open. Aldrick—now dressed again—smiled at her.
“I knew you hadn’t fainted.”
But Violet’s attention was fixed on the glittering object on her finger.
“What… is this?”
“I hadn’t planned to give it so casually, but it seemed there’d never be another chance before we left.”
It was a large diamond, blazing with light.
“I’ve always regretted that our wedding was so rushed and that I never properly gave you a ring. And even after arriving at the fief, it’s been so hectic… I’m sorry that you had to wait so long. I’m hardly the perfect man, but… will you have me again, Violet?”
He knelt on one knee, his smile brighter than the diamond itself.
Violet’s throat tightened. She could say nothing. Even without the jewel, her marriage to Aldrick was the greatest gift. Yet her husband, always apologizing for falling short, slipped his hand into hers so tightly.
“I—I never even thought of something like this. And I have nothing to give you…”
Pressing her hand to his lips, Aldrick shook his head.
“Shouldn’t a man be the one to prepare such things? Isn’t that right? Even I knew that, younger than you.”
His teasing tone made Violet laugh despite herself.
Tears welling behind her smile, she turned her hand this way and that, marveling at the finely cut diamond’s brilliance.
“You have no idea how many jewelers Simon and I dragged ourselves past, worrying you might not like any of them. He grumbled so much.”
At last, she understood how Aldrick and Simon had combed every shop in the city.
“Aldrick… thank you so much. I don’t even know how to express how grateful I am. It’s so unexpected…”
“If you like it, that’s enough.”
Overcome with affection, Violet threw her arms around him and he held her tight.
“I don’t just love the ring—I love you. Without you, I don’t think I could go on living. I love you so much, Aldrick.”
“Me too, Violet. Life without you wasn’t life. Thank you for staying by my side. I love you more than my own existence.”
Their hearts unchanged since the wedding, the young couple reaffirmed their love in tender, desperate words.
The embrace broke only moments later.
“Then… may I kiss my beloved wife?” Aldrick asked softly.
Caught up in the moment, Violet nodded.
What she would come to regret was what happened an hour later.
***
It was the day they left, having perfectly enjoyed the allotted three days.
Aldrick rode ahead, looking utterly refreshed, while Violet slumped in his arms like a rag.
“At this rate, I won’t even be fit to play with Rosetta when we get home…” she grumbled, her face pale, dark circles beneath her eyes.
Apologetically, Aldrick comforted her.
“The road back takes three days too. Do nothing but sit on horseback and rest. I’ll take care of everything. Just stay put, maybe you’ll feel better…”
His anxiety showed in his voice, but Violet nonetheless voiced the thought he feared.
“We can’t go on like this. From now on—”
Aldrick’s heart must have plummeted. They had only three days together, and the thought of returning to that punishing abstinence made him dizzy.
“Then let’s set a schedule and do it regularly. One big binge like this is too much.”
Cornered, Aldrick seized Violet in joy at her lifeline. His wife was so very, very loved—that he prayed this time would last forever. He was the happiest man alive.
But the happiness of the Count of Winter would not endure.
Not half a year after that special trip, a day came when…
“Congratulations, you’re pregnant.”
Hearing the castle physician’s words, Aldrick felt both joy and despair in one rare moment.
“…I heard there’s a d**g in Aslan that can dry up a man’s seed…” he muttered darkly.
Unperturbed, Violet was overjoyed at the news.
“This time I hope it’s a son who resembles you, Aldrick.”
Oblivious to his thoughts, she spoke her hopes, and he couldn’t help but smile in return.
As Violet said, their remaining days were far more than a few. Even if he surrendered her to the children for a time, in the end it would be he who held her.
Aldrick resolved to find that medicine, at any rate…
And Violet, ignorant of his brooding, simply smiled happily in his arms.
—Side Story, End.
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