*Rosemary*

I tried to not look at Saffron's chin, let alone his cold, deep purple eyes. Hopefully, my dancing was good. His steps weren't too bad. Although, he did feel a tad stiff. Or maybe that was just his personality.

After an hour or so of dancing, my legs started to feel shaky and my head light.

"You alright?" Saffron asked, putting a hand on my back as I nearly fell back.

My cheeks reddened from having my head against his chest. It felt sturdy, like an oak tree.

"Sorry," I said, turning my head away. "Seems I am a tad tired."

He sighed. "Then we should probably get get going. You can rest in the carriage."

I nodded slightly. Ugh, why was I born with such a frail body? Mom could dance a lot longer than this. I missed seeing her and Dad dance. Father wasn't warm before her death, but he wasn't as frigid as he was now.

"Gonna leave already? The party is barely beginning," Gael asked as he walked over. He had been doing funny dances by himself.

I caught my breath and gave him a weak smile. "Seems like it."

"Rose isn't feeling too well," Saffron explained.

My cousin's expression softened. "Ah, I see. Well, take care of her, Captain."

"I will," Saffron replied as he hooked his arm on mine. He escorted me over to Orlin and Artermia. The couple were getting themselves some punch. Did my husband figure I wanted to say farewell to my brother before I left?

"Hey, Orli. I have to go," I said, giving my brother a faint smile.

Orlin frowned. "Not feeling well?"

I nodded. "A little headed is all," I said, rubbing my head.

"Maybe some tea would help," Artermia said.

"I appreciate your concern, Artemi, but we should get going. Our destination will take a while."

Orlin turned to look at Saffron. "If her condition worsens during the trip, be sure to stop. Long distance travel is hard on her."

My husband nodded. "I will."

I stared at the floor, flustered. He might've lacked warmth in his voice, but he was quite the gentleman.

My brother grinned. "Thanks! And Rose, be sure to tell him when you feel unwell. Hiding it will only worsen your condition. Got it?"

I grumbled a little but nodded. Orli could really be overprotective at times. Plus, not like he was one to talk. He over did things too, sometimes.

"I'm going to say farewell to Mother and the kids. You can continue talking with them if you wish," Saffron said.

I nodded and took a seat by the punch bowl. He walked off.

"How are you liking your new husband?" Artermia asked as she sat down beside me.

I glanced at Saffron as he talked with his mother and little siblings. There were still things about him that I didn't know. My mother-in-law didn't have the chance to tell me her answer to my question.

I smiled as I thought back to the things I had seen. "Thus far, he seems caring. Even if a bit reserved."

"Think you'll work out?" Orlin asked, glancing at me. "If not, I can always help you run away."

I put my hands on my shaking knees. Truth be told, I didn't know.

"I think so," I whispered.

"You sound uncertain," Orlin said, sighing. He put a hand on my shoulder. "If it doesn't work out, tell me. I will help you, really."

I closed my eyes. "Okay." But was there really any going back from here? Running away from my husband might have made the situation worse for me.

After Saffron returned, he held held his hand out to me and helped me up.

I fell forward, bumping my head against his chest.

"You might have to carry her," Orlin said, putting his hands on his hips.

I shook my head as my face warmed up. "No, no! I am fine! No need for that."

"Understood," Saffron said, hooking his arm around mine.

I smiled slightly.

Artermia snickered. "Guess that works."

He escorted me outside. A black and gold carriage was parked by the entrance to the castle. Had Father arranged for it? Or was it Orlin? No, like that man would do something like this for me. He didn't even buy me a dress. I had to purchase it myself. Although, I didn't mind that. It gave me a bit of autonomy, even if small.

"Are you fine with this?" Saffron asked. "If a horse driven vehicle is too much, I could get us a taxi."

"It's fine." I opened the door myself and strode in.

I sat down on one of the purple velvet seat and smiled as I glanced outside.

Saffron turned away. His gloved hand covered most of his mouth. "Uh, I will be in the front."

"You are taking the reins?" I asked, sitting up.

He nodded. "Yes."

Had Orlin forgotten to hire someone? Or maybe he ran out of money. Wait, that would've meant he paid for the wedding out of his own pocket. Why didn't he tell me? Seriously, that brother of mine... I smiled I was lucky to have him. Without Ore, I might not have lasted in the castle as long as I did.

"Alright," I said, feeling a bit lonely in the spacious carriage.

Part of me wanted to ride in the front with him, but the rushing wind could have deteriorated my health further.

I sighed. Guilt bubbled within me for having cut the festivities short. But my body just couldn't handle it. If I could barely manage this, could I do the tasks of a wife? Saffron might've made a name for himself, but he probably couldn't afford servants. As a busy man, it was up to me to make sure he had a nice home to return to. It wasn't like I had the skills to get a job of my own. And given my low stamina, would I even have been able to keep at it for long if I got one?

I leaned my head against the carriage couch and closed my eyes. Just what kind of life awaited me wherever we were going?

***

"Rose, we're here," Saffron said.

I sat up. Had I fallen asleep? How had that happened? Ugh, I had missed all of the beautiful scenery!

He held out a hand toward me.

I took it and stepped down. The land here in Makkuroyama was a lot windier than back home. Also, there were no big buildings nor mountains blocking out my view of of the sky.

I smiled as the sunset in the distance. The lake by where we stopped reflected its blues and reds like a mirror.

"So pretty." I rarely saw a body of water this large. The parts of Kaguya River that ran though the namesake city were rather impressive, but it was hard to grasp the river's sheer size unless looking at it from above. Also, it was actively moving. The lake meanwhile was tranquil. I smiled. As calm as the man standing next to me.

"Indeed," Saffron said.

I glanced at him and realized he was not staring at the sunset but at me.

He quickly turned away. "This is one of my favorite views."

"So, this is where you live?"

"I lived a bit further out. In that house," he said pointing to a house on a nearly slope. This house is one I had built for us.

I stared at the two story stone house. "It must've cost a lot."

He rubbed the side of neck. "Only getting the electricity and plumbing set. The land was a gift from Mom. You could say she gave me my inheritance early. Luckily, it's not too expensive in these far flung parts.

"Wait, did you make the building itself?"

He nodded. "Yeah."

While we Kuroriku had earth powers and could thus move stones to create impressive structures, not everyone had the knowledge to make a functional modern house.

Saffron helped me inside. The house was a tad chilly, much like Father's castle. The walls even looked a bit like the walls back home. The biggest differences had to be the wooden floor and the lack of diamond chandeliers.

"Do you need anything?" Saffron asked as he removed his tuxedo coat and placed it on the sofa seat.

"Just some water, please," I replied, feeling parched.

Saffron quickly fetched me a glass of water from the kitchen and sat beside me. "You should rest," he said, putting a hand against my shoulder.

I took a sip of water. "I slept a lot already."

"Would you like to read some books then? I have several."

I did like reading book. But, was now the right time? This was technically our honeymoon. Although, it felt a tad weird to have it in what was to be our home. No, I was asking for too much. Still, it would have been nice if our post wedding night felt more like an actual honeymoon.

I got up and grabbed him by the arm. "Uh, aren't you forgetting what today is?"

He blinked. "Valeday?"

I blushed. "Yes, but that was not what I meant. It is our wedding night."

Saffron stared at me for a while before grabbing me by the hand. "Alright, I will show your to our bedchamber."

My face heated up as he escorted me down a stony corridor. Maybe I should not have brought it up after all.

I gulped as I stared at the large bed. The room had the same chilly air as the rest of the house.

"Don't worry about it," Saffron said, leaning against the entrance. "If you want to back out, you can."

I took a deep breath and pulled him in, closing the door behind us. "I-It's okay!" I went back around and place a hand on his chest. "I am sure."

His violet eyes lingered at my hands as I began to unbutton his white shirt. His chest was large and sturdy, just like a mighty tree.

"If you insist. Let me know if you change your mind." He put a hand on my chin and raised my head up. His lips pressed against mine. The feeling was like that of our bond of marriage but more intense. Perhaps due to its longevity.

He stepped forward and I stepped back as we got closer to the bed. His hands reached for the zipper on the back of my dress. He tugged on it until it was completely down.

I ran a hand down his shirt. His abdomen had a few scars on it, likely from battles he had fought. He would be going to that place soon. So this might've been our only one and only night as a married couple.

I yelped as he put his lips on my now exposed neck. My face heated up. I felt like I could pass out at any moment. This was a danger to my heart.

"S-Saffron" I said in what sounded more like a moan.

"Yes?" he said before giving me another kiss, this time closer to my bossom.

"L-let me take the lead. Okay?"

He turned his head away. "Alright, if that's what you want." His ears looked red. It was cute to see.

I pushed him into the bed and unbuttoned the remainder of his shirt. Several scars from past cuts dotted his sides as well.

My fingers caressed them. Thankfully, they weren't very deep. But it was a reminder of the life he lived. Could this be our first and last night together?

Saffron pulled off my dress and held me tightly, snapping me out of my worries.

Even with me leading, it felt difficult. Ugh, maybe I should've listened to him. He said that we could stop if I told him, but would he really? Well, he did agree to let me have the dominant role. Truly, the one who didn't want to stop was probably me.

I placed my hand between his legs and unzipped his pants. My eyes widened. Maybe I signed up for more than I could bargain for...

"Something wrong?" he whispered, looking up at me with deep violet eyes.

"No, it's nothing," I said, turning my head to the side. How was I supposed to tell him that he might've been a bit too big for me. Ugh, what if my frail body couldn't take it?

I gulped and stared at Saffron's handsome face. Even if my body was weak, I wanted to continue. This could very well be our only time as husband and wife.

Saffron head out a hand and patted my head. "If you want to stop he can," he said, panting.

I shook my head. No! I wanted to give be able to give him an heir. If that was impossible for me, I wanted him to have a wife that could. But for that to happen, I had to try my hardest. Plus, this was only the first time. I heard that it was always the most difficult. After tonight, it should become easier.

I put a hand between his legs. His member twitched. It was getting bigger again after having calmed down during my hesitation.

Saffron's eyes widened. His face was very red. I smiled and tugged down on his black undergarments.

My husband turned look at me as I drew closer to his face. He put his hands on my face and pulled me in for a kiss. His tongue entered my mouth and caused my heart to beat like never before.

He put his hands on my sides and rolled me over.

He reached his free arm out and turned off the lights, leaving only the moon and starlight pouring in through the window to light our way.

I closed my eyes as his member rubbed against me. It wasn't even inside and I was already struggling this much. This was going to be an endurance test...

"Rose, you alright?" Saffron asked as he pet my orange hair.

I glanced at him. Had he noticed me whimpering?

I nodded and put my arms around his back. He was a large man overall. It felt good, though. To have someone sturdy like him close. It reminded me of when I was a kid. How I would wrap my arms around Ore when terrified. I was still afraid. Of Father mostly. But also, other scary things.

Saffron came in for another kiss as he removed my undergarments. His lips journeyed to my bosom and down the rest of my body.

"Saffron, what are you doing?" I asked as he got a little too low.

He looked at me. "I heard that lubricants help, but since I didn't buy any, I figured saliva would help."

My giggled. He was talking about something dirty, yet sounded so innocent.

"I-it's alright," I said, closing my legs.

Saffron sighed. "Rose, if you are nervous. We can stop."

I turned away. "It's not that. If you're going to do it, I want to return the favor too." Even, though putting that beast anywhere inside of me was going to be a tough ordeal as it is.

My husband frowned. "Rose, sex is not tit for tat. Doing it only for my sake is pointless."

I lowered my head. "Sorry."

"It's fine," Saffron said kissed me on the forehead.

I held out my hands. "But I do wish to continue. I wanna be yours, even if only tonight."

Saffron lips brushed up against mine. "Alright."

We held each other tightly as our bodies rubbed against one another. The coldness of the bedchamber no longer bothered me. Nor did the longing for companionship.

Even if my wedding night was not a fairy tale one, that was fine. At least for tonight, we were husband and wife, not strangers.

**Solar Note: Hope that you enjoyed the chapter. This chapter might just get this book a mature rating 🫣**