Sebastian's bedroom was warm and inviting, bathed in the soft, silvery glow of moonlight filtering through the windows. The bed already had the covers pulled back, and Finn was curled up between the two pillows, his small form nestled into the soft blankets as he let out faint, sleepy dragons. 

Sebastian glanced over at me, his expression gentle, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. 

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly, his voice low and soothing so as to not disturb Finn's peaceful slumber. 

His question made me smile, though a nervous flutter stirred in my stomach. I nodded slightly, my voice dropping to match his hushed tone. "Yeah, I'm okay."

Sebastian's shoulders relaxed at my reassurance, the tension in his frame easing as he gave me a small, encouraging smile.

"Good," he murmured, his tone soft and full of warmth. 

The room fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by Finn's occasional soft chirps and the distant rustle of leaves outside the window. The quiet wasn't unwelcome, but it left my thoughts to wander. 

It was the first time Sebastian and I had ever shared a bed, and the awareness of the fact settled over me like a heavy blanket. I swallowed, my heart beginning to race as the reality of the situation settled in. 

I shifted slightly, the rustle of fabric drawing my attention downward. That's when I realized, with a jolt of embarrassment, that I was still wearing the dress from earlier. Its soft material clung to me in ways I was suddenly hyper-aware of, the intricate embroidery catching the faint light and only emphasizing the formality of my attire.

My cheeks flushed, and I hesitated before speaking, my voice quiet but tinged with embarrassment. "I just realized...I'm still in the dress from earlier," I admitted, glancing away as the heat rose in my face. "I completely forgot to change. Do you mind if I head to the guest room to grab something more comfortable?"

Sebastian's mouth curved into a gentle smile, his gaze holding a glimmer of amusement as though he found my self-consciousness endearing. 

"You don't need to go to the guest room," he said softly. "The seamstress left a few things here for you. She knew we'd be sharing a room eventually, so she brought some clothes for you. They're in the wardrobe - probably more your style and definitely more comfortable than that dress."

I blink in surprise, his words catching me off guard. "She did?" I murmured, a small, relieved smile playing on my lips. "That's...really thoughtful."My gaze flicked toward the wardrobe, the idea of slipping into something more comfortable making me shift eagerly. "And, yeah, definitely better than this dress," I added with a quiet laugh, unable to hide my gratitude.

Sebastian's  expression softened further, his eyes glinting with quiet amusement. "If you want to change, go ahead," he murmured. "They're in the closet. I promise not to look - I can turn around if it makes you more comfortable."

A wave of relief washed over me at his offer. "Yeah, that...would be nice. I appreciate it," I said, my voice soft but genuine. 

Sebastian nodded, his gaze lingering on mine for a heartbeat before he shifted, turning so his back faced me. "Take your time," he said quietly. 

With a deep breath, I stood and padded over to the wardrobe. My fingers trembled slightly as I opened the doors, revealing a neatly arranged assortment of clothes, all clearly chosen with care. My heart softened at the thoughtfulness behind the gesture. 

The assortment of clothes in the closet was small but thoughtfully chosen, with a range of elegant yet casual styles. My fingers brushed over the soft fabric of a dark blue dress before settling on a salmon pink nightdress. Its velvet material was adorned with intricate lace details, and the thin straps and backless design immediately caught my eye. I swallowed hard, my heart pounding as I glanced at Sebastian's back. 

The nightdress felt both luxurious and daring, far more revealing than what I would normally choose. A small sigh escaped me as I realized the seamstress must have had a bold aesthetic in mind for these designs - all the options were similarly daring. There was no avoiding it; I either stayed in this dress or changed into one of these. 

After a steadying breath, I slipped the nightdress over my head. The velvet glided against my skin, soft and cool, clinging to my curves in a way that felt foreign and intimate. The open back made me hyper-aware of the every subtle movement, and the lace at the bodice brushed against my chest, sending a shiver down my spine. I tugged it into placed, the garment settling lightly against me. 

I could feel the cool air brushing against my exposed back, and despite the softness of the velvet, it felt as though every nerve in my body was hyper-aware. My hands fidgeted slightly, brushing over the smooth fabric as I worked to steady my nerves. Finally, I found my voice, though it came out quieter than I intended.

"Sebastian," I murmured, "you can turn around now...if you want."

He turned slowly, his gaze catching on me immediately. His eyes widened slightly, roaming over me in a way that made my cheeks flush. He didn't speak at first, his focus lingering on the lines of the dress, the way it clung to me, and the open expanse of my back. For a brief moment, I felt completely exposed under his scrutiny, though his expression wasn't critical - if anything, it seemed reverent.

I shifted awkwardly, my voice soft. "The seamstress...she didn't leave many options," I said, as if trying to explain away the daring choice. 

Sebastian blinked, finally clearing his throat. His voice was deeper, rougher, when he finally spoke. "I see," he murmured. "You look...beautiful."

The sincerity in his tone made my cheeks burn hotter. I glanced away, feeling the weight of his words and the intensity of his gaze settle heavily on me. 

"Is this..." I hesitated, biting my lip as I dared to ask, "is this the usual expectation for Spring Court couples? To wear...things like this?"

For a moment, he didn't answer. His gaze moved to mine, locking on with an intensity that made my breath catch. When he finally spoke, his tone was soft, almost careful. 

"A Spring Court couple is expected to embrace the nature of the court," he said, his words deliberate. "Life, growth, connection. Sometimes that translates to...openness and comfort with intimacy. But it's not a requirement, Verena. It's just...tradition."

His explanation only made the flush in my cheeks deepen. I shifted slightly, feeling a mix of self-consciousness and curiosity. 

"The Spring Court values life in all its forms," Sebastian continued, his voice quieter now. "Fertility, renewal, and the cycles of nature. It's part of who we are, but..." His eyes softened, holding mine. "It's not something you need to conform to unless you're ready."

I swallowed hard, his words settling somewhere deep within me. His honesty was grounding, even as I still felt his gaze like a physical touch. 

The moment hung in the air, charged and yet surprisingly tender. Finally, Sebastian cleared his throat again and offered a small, warm smile. 

"You don't need to feel uncomfortable, Verena," he said softly. "You're perfect as you are."

"I...I'm just not used to..." I swallowed hard, the words catching in my throat. "To being this...exposed."

Sebastian's eyes flicked up to mine, his throat bobbing as he swallowed. His gaze softened, even as it held a flicker of heat. 

He glanced over me again, his eyes tracing the lines of the nightdress."It's okay to feel nervous," he murmured, his voice so low it barely carried in the room. "But...I think you look absolutely stunning."

A soft chuckle escaped me, shaky but genuine. I fidgeted slightly, my hands brushing over the fabric of the nightdress. "You're supposed to say that," I teased lightly, my voice quiet. "Since we're mates and all."

Sebastian smiled, his laugh low and warm. "True," he admitted, tilting his head slightly. "But does that mean I'm not allowed to mean it?"

His gaze held mine, steady and sincere, and despite the nervous fluttering in my chest, there was something undeniably comforting in the way he looked at me. 

"No, I guess not," I murmured, my cheeks flushing slightly. "You can mean it...if you want."

Sebastian's smile deepened, soft and genuine, as his eyes roamed over me again, taking in the nightdress with quiet admiration. "I do mean it," he said, his voice huskier now, the sincerity in his tone undeniable. "You're beautiful."

My heart fluttered at his words, his gaze settling on me with an intensity that left me feeling both vulnerable and cherished. The way he looked at me...like I was the only thing that mattered in the world. It eased some of my self-consciousness, though the butterflies in my stomach refused to settle. 

"You don't need to be embarrassed," he said softly, his tone gentle but firm. "You're incredible, Verena. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

The flush in my cheeks deepened, but his words, so sincere and tender, made the knot of nervousness in my chest loosen slightly. I glanced down at the nightdress, adjusting the hem absentmindedly, the soft velvet brushing against my fingertips. 

After a moment, I took a breath, stepping toward the bed and climbing in beside him. The mattress dipped under my weight, and I felt the heat of his presence immediately. I kept the blanket close, pulling it up over my lingering shyness.

Sebastian shifted slightly, his warmth radiating beside me, steady and calming. Finn stirred from his spot at the foot of the bed, giving a soft, sleepy chirp before settling back down. I tucked the blanket tighter around myself, the velvet of the nightdress brushing against my skin as I tried to focus on the comfort of the moment rather than my lingering self-consciousness. 

Sebastian's gaze lingered on me, even with the blanket covering most of my chest. I heard the faint catch in his breath, and a flutter stirred in my stomach. 

"You covered yourself," he murmured, his voice low, almost questioning. "Are you still embarrassed?"

I swallowed, holding the blanket tightly against me, unable to bring myself to answer. Vulnerability prickled at my nerves, and the softness of the velvet against my skin only seemed to heighten my awareness of how exposed I felt. 

The bed shifted slightly as I adjusted, the contrast between the warm, comfortable blankets and the sleek, revealing nightdress almost overwhelming. I could still feel his eyes on me, their weight as tangible as he fabric that clung to my body.

"You don't have to hide," he said softly, his tone carrying both reassurance and a quiet plea. "Not from me."

His words made me hesitate. There was something in the way he spoke - in the sincerity of his voice - that made it hard to ignore. Slowly, with trembling hands I lowered the blanket just enough to reveal a little more of the nightdress. My grip on the fabric remained tight, my heart pounding as I exposed myself a fraction more to his gaze. 

The air in the room seemed heavier as his eyes roamed over me, tracing every line and curve. My stomach twisted, a mix of nerves and something else I couldn't quite name. It wasn't just self-consciousness - it was a strange satisfaction, knowing he was looking at me like this. Admiring me. 

His gaze was slow, deliberate, taking in every detail: the lace along my chest, the smooth velvet that hugged my body, the exposed curve of my back. I shivered, the warmth of his attention battling the cool air that brushed against my skin. 

Finally, needing to escape the intensity of the moment, I shifted the conversation. "When you...when you become king," I started softly, my voice hesitant, "will we...be expected to..." I faltered, my cheeks heating. "To conceive right away?"

Sebastian's eyes widened slightly at my question, clearly caught off guard. His expression grew thoughtful, his lips parting as he considered his response. 

"In the Spring Court," he began, his tone steady but low, "reproduction is highly valued. It's seen as a symbol of life and renewal. So, yes...when I'm crowned, it will likely be expected of us to start trying to conceive."

His words hit me like a weight. I'd never seriously considered the thought of children, let alone being expected to conceive so soon. My heart stuttered as I tried to process the enormity of what he was saying. 

Sebastian's gaze found mine, his expression softening. "Are you...alright with that?" he asked, his voice guieter now, filled with concern. 

"I..." I hesitated, the vulnerability of the moment sinking in. "I don't know," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I've never thought about children. Not seriously."

He nodded slowly, his eyes full of understanding. "It's a lot to consider," he murmured. Then, his gaze flicked downward again, lingering for a moment before meeting mine once more. "You're not uncomfortable with the idea, are you? Of being expected to conceive...so soon?"

I shifted slightly, feeling the velvet nightdress cling to me, amplifying the weight of the conversation. "It's...overwhelming," I admitted quietly. "And, honestly, I don't think I'm ready. Not so quickly."

Sebastian exhaled deeply, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he absorbed my words. "That's fair," he said softly. 'We'll take our time. There will be expectations, eventually - the symbols of fertility and all that nonsense - but nothing has to happen until you're ready."

His reassurance eased some of the tension in my chest, but the vulnerability of the moment still lingered. I hesitated, my fingers nervously tugging at the blanket. "Not to mention," I added faintly, "we haven't even...really kissed yet. Not a real one, anyway." 

Sebastian's eyes widened slightly at my words, surprise flickering across his face. He turned onto his side, his expression growing serious as he regarded me closely. The intensity of his gaze made my heart pound harder, the air between us charged with something unspoken. 

Sebastian's gaze softened as it locked onto mine. "That's..." he started, his voice trailing off. His eyes flickered down to my lips, lingering there for a moment before rising again to meet mine. 

A wave of guilt crashed over me. He had been so patient, so understanding, and here I was - holding back, hesitating at every step. My chest tightened as emotions I'd tried to suppress surged forward, threatening to spill over. 

My throat felt thick, my voice trembling as I finally spoke. "I'm sorry, Sebastian," I murmured, my voice barely audible. "I'm sorry for holding back."

His brows knit together, confusion and concern flashing in his eyes. "Verena..." he whispered, shifting closer to me. The bed dipped slightly under his weight, the warmth of his body enveloping me. "Why are you apologizing? You've done nothing wrong."

My breath hitched, the lump in my throat growing unbearable. The tears I had tried to hold back spilled over, my vision blurring. "Because I know it hurt you," I said, my voice breaking. "Not being able to..." I faltered, the words catching in my throat. "And now, me holding back...it's like I'm making it worse." 

Sebastian's gaze flickered between my tear-filled eyes, his expression tender and resolute. "Verena," he murmured, his hand lifting tentatively. His fingertips brushed against my damp cheek, featherlight, yet grounding. 

Tears streamed freely down my face as his touch sent a shiver through me. My voice trembled as I continued, unable to stop the flood of emotion. "I see it, Sebastian. Every time I pull away...every time I hesitate. I see the disappointment in your eyes, even if you try to hide it."

His hand stilled, cupping my cheek more firmly as he met my gaze. His touch was warm, steady, and I clung to it like a lifeline. "It's not torture," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want you, Verena. I want every part of you. But I'll wait - for as long as it takes - until you're ready. You're worth waiting for." 

A sob escaped me, raw and uncontainable. His words both comforted and stung, the depth of his patience only making my fear and hesitation feel more unbearable. "I'm sorry," I choked out, my voice trembling. "I'm sorry I'm afraid. I'm sorry I'm not ready to trust the bond yet."

Sebastian's thumb brushed away my tears, his touch impossibly gentle. He leaned closer, his voice tender, soothing. "You don't have to apologize for being afraid, Verena," he murmured. "You don't have to apologize for feeling overwhelmed."

But I couldn't stop. My heart ached, my voice breaking with every word. "I'm sorry," I whispered hoarsely. "I'm sorry the universe chose me as your mate. That I've caused tension with your family, with the court, just because I'm an Autumn faerie. I wish...I wish I could be better for you."

Sebastian's hand tilted my chin gently, his thumb brushing across my cheek. His gaze was steady, unflinching, and filled with so much warmth it made my chest ache. "Verena," he said, his voice soft but firm, like a vow spoken in secret. "You are enough. Do you hear me? Nothing - nothing you could do or be - would ever make me wish you weren't my mate."

My lips parted, another apology hovering on the edge of my tongue. But before I could speak, Sebastian leaned forward, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that stole the air from my lungs. 

The world around us seemed to fade. My tears stilled as the warmth of his mouth melted into mine, soft and sure. His hand cradled my cheek, the gentle pressure grounding me in a way I hadn't expected. I froze for a moment, overwhelmed, but the tenderness in his touch encouraged me, soothed me. Slowly, hesitantly, I kissed him back. 

It was a quiet, unhurried kiss, filled with understanding and something unspoken that lingered between us. His lips moved against mine with a softness that made my heart ache. It wasn't demanding or rushed - it was a promise, a reassurance. 

When he pulled back, his forehead rested lightly against mine. His thumb brushed against my cheek once more, and his breath mingled with mine in the intimate stillness. His eyes met mine, deep and unwavering. 

"No more apologies," he murmured, his voice gentle. "You, Verena, are more than enough. You always have been."

I managed a shaky breath, my tears subsiding as I nodded. His words echoed in my mind, their sincerity wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. 

Sebastian's gaze lingered on mine, his hand still resting lightly against my face. Finn stirred slightly at the edge of the bed, giving a soft chirp that broke the silence. Sebastian's lips quirked into a faint smile, his thumb brushing against my cheek one last time before his hand fell away. 

"Rest now," he said quietly, his tone soothing. "The day's been long, and you deserve peace tonight."

I nodded again, sinking back against the pillows as he settled beside me. The warmth of his presence radiated through the bed, calming the nerves in my chest. Finn hopped up, nestling himself between us with a contented squeak, his tiny body pressing against my side. 

As the room settled into silence, I felt Sebastian's steady breathing beside me, a quiet rhythm that soothed my racing heart.