Rhovian's POV
After leaving their room and walking a few corridors feeling the guards' surprised and awkward gaze at him, Rhovian noticed that he had forgotten his chemise on the floor and was now walking around bare chested.
'Oh… I am glad it is late enough for most of the castle's people to be tucked in…'
He got to his office and changed into his night clothes, flopping to the bed.
— At least my trousers were tight enough for the absence of my top garment to be the only unusual vision of mine they saw… — He chucked bitterly to himself. The memory of the sensation of Ylenna's lips against his, her soft breast inside of his hand and her hand on his member brought a new wave of arousal to his body.
The urge to satisfy himself right then was almost as big as the urge he felt earlier to take his wife again.
— But not now. I really need to sleep…
But sleep would not reach him unless he had it done.
On the next day, Rhovian got pretty busy with the preparations to the knighting ceremony of the new squires. He had breakfast at the dining room, where he didn't see Ylenna, who probably woke up a bit later than that, but his other meals were taken in the training grounds' meal table.
— So, did she like the gifts? — Nivan asked him that night, after they were finished with all the ceremony's talk.
— Well, I assume so. She wore one of the gowns last night. And apparently she judged the jewels even too great for a common dinner.
— That's good. But you know gifts won't be enough. You gotta show her other forms of affection.
— Yes… I know this… — Rhovian nodded. — I'm still working on that.
— Have you named the dog yet?
'Shit… I knew I was forgetting something.'
— I was planning to do this on the day I received the request to travel to the Yornin-Turga conflict site… and when I came back…
— You were welcomed with a warm bed and couldn't think of anything else, I know. — Nivan said over his chuckles.
— Yeah, yeah. Having fun?
— You should do it soon. The dog needs to get used to its name while still young.
— True… I should do this tomorrow.
— Yes, your highness? — Zena entered his office the next morning. Again, he hadn't seen his wife for breakfast.
— Hello, Zena. I have a request about Ylenna. Please, have her ready to meet me at the main hall by four in the afternoon. We have to go to the kennel.
— I will, your highness.
— And also… did you write the reports I asked?
— Yes… but they were pretty much the same, your highness. I could even tell you right now.
— Well… then go ahead.
So, Zena proceeded to talk Rhovian into how Ylenna was cooped up in the bedroom in the first days, her visit to the Queen Tinae and her strolls to the garden alongside Arletta.
— It seems she got better after the first few days, then… But you seemed to have forgotten to tell me one thing, Zena.
— Did I, your highness? — She was confused. — I apologize. What may it be?
— About her time plotting with you to have me with her in bed. — He said nonchalantly, making Zena's face and ears flush in red.
— Your… your high-
— You are dismissed, Zena. Please, do not forget about my request for today.
Later in the afternoon, Rhovian went to the hall to wait for Ylenna so they could go meet the pup Nivan had giftened them.
The princess showed up in a fluttering brownish gown, with golden embroidery, one he had given to her. She had her hair tied up in an elaborated bun, adorned with golden-emerald pins.
— You look beautiful. — The words came out of his mouth before he could even realize it. It seemed that his new resolution of showing affection towards her had already taken control of everything.
Ylenna stared at him completely confused. Her eyes seemed to wonder if she was imagining things.
— Thank you…
— I am sorry for not having been able to make you company in any meal yesterday. I hope you have been informed of my schedule, as I have requested.
— Yes… I was told you were busy. — She had a cautious air.
— Good. Then, let us go. — He offered her his arm and they walked towards the kennels. Soon, he was struck with a question. — Do I… smell bad right now?
— Pardon? — Ylenna sounded genuinely flustered.
— I… spent long hours on the training grounds, I have yet not washed properly after it… so I must smell terribly right now. I am sorry.
— You… you are not smelling bad. I… I can notice that you have been training, but it does not smell bad.
— Ah… Thankfully.
Soon, they got to the kennels, where the dog trainer was teaching the new puppy how to sit.
— Your royal highnesses, it's such an honor to have both of you here today. — He stopped immediately to bow to the couple.
— Good afternoon, Arthur. We came precisely to see this puppy you are training right now. We are yet to give her a name.
— That's wonderful. She really needs to get a name as soon as possible. Have your royal highnesses thought of one yet?
Rhovian looked at Ylenna with anticipation.
— We have not come to a decision yet. We thought it would be better to visit her together first and think of something that suits her. — The princess answered.
— Amazing. Then, please, suit yourselves. She adores playing.
The couple got into the kennel's building and the puppy came running towards the princess immediately, wagging her tail and jumping up and down.
— She remembers you, princess. — Arthur said.
— She is too lovely. I am so delighted with this little girl. — Ylenna spoke with a smile so pure and wide that Rhovian felt his heart sinking.
He had never seen her smile like that before. On the contrary, ever since they got married, she had barely ever had the shadow of a smile on her face, in front of him, except when she was forced to on official occasions. It made him blame himself for making her suffer, but also woke up the will inside of him to do everything in his power to make that smile be the most frequent expression on her face.
He kneeled down beside her, offering his hand to the dog, who sniffed it and started licking it playfully, jumping to his lap and trying to lick his ears.
— Here, your highness. She loves playing catch. — Arthur gave him a wood stick.
The couple spent long minutes playing with the pup, throwing the stick that she ran to catch and came back to deliver them. Both of them laughed heartily with the vision of her playing, jumping and asking for pets.
— She is indeed adorable. I believe she is the most affectionate dog I have ever seen. — He grinned warmly at Ylenna. Her response to his grinning was, first, an expression of shock, then a timid smile. He realized that he, as well, had never smiled heartily at the princess, be it before or after she became his wife. It made the will in his heart grow even stronger. He would do whatever he could to make amends to the ache he put in her heart. It could take long to fulfill everything she wished from him, but he would try all in his power to make her happy.
— Happy… — He muttered, suddenly being struck with the idea.
— What? — Ylenna asked, not understanding.
— Her name. It should be Happy. Suits her, do you think not?
— Ah… Yes. It is a good name for her. — She considered it for a few seconds, before turning to Arthur. — She will be called Happy.
— Please, get her a beautiful dog collar with her name engraved on a gold medal. Save no expenses. Tell them to send the bill to my office. — Rhovian said.
— Of course, your highness. It will be my pleasure.
While they left the kennels almost an hour later, both of them held sincere and warm smiles on their red flushed faces.
— We should come back more. Together. — Rhovian declared.
— Yes… Happy would like it.
— I would like it, too. — He glanced at her, who blinked in surprise. — I believe it would be good for you, as well.
— I… I agree.
— Then, let us come again in four days. There is something I want to do with you after tomorrow.
— What is it? — She frowned.
— The astrologists said there will be a beautiful sky phenomenon at night in two days. We should go watch it. It will be more beautiful to see from an open field, so we should have a picnic there. — They had arrived back at the hall, and Rhovian turned to face her.
Ylenna stared at him looking completely dumbfounded. She gulped down and gazed at her own hands.
— I… I think it is… a nice idea. Thank you for wanting my company to watch it.
Rhovian's heart clenched in his chest. He took her chin in his fingers and raised her head.
— I have already told you. You do not need to thank me for such trivial things. — He gave her a curt smile, trying to hide his own guilty feeling, and kissed her forehead gently. — I am gonna wash. Shall we meet at dinner? — Ylenna nodded. — Good. I will fetch you later.