Upon reaching the gates of Ravenshire, Wilhelm dismounted, his movements fluid and graceful. He looked up at her, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Wait here,” he instructed, his voice a playful command. “I have one more surprise for you.”
He disappeared into the nearby woods, leaving her to wait with curiosity and anticipation.
A few minutes later, he appeared with a large bouquet of wildflowers clutched in his hand.
“For you, my Duchess,” he said, presenting her the flowers with a flourish.
Genevieve’s heart melted, her cheeks flushing with a warmth that rivaled the setting sun. She graciously accepted the bouquet, her fingers brushing against his, the touch sending a shiver down her spine.
“They are beautiful,” she said with great tenderness.
Wilhelm’s lips curled into a loving smile. “Not nearly as beautiful as you are,” he replied.
Genevieve rolled her eyes. “How original of you,” she teased.
Wilhelm chuckled at having been caught. “You wound me, Duchess. I handpicked these flowers and made a most heartfelt compliment, and this is the thanks I receive for my efforts?”
Genevieve smirked, twirling a fragile bloom between her fingers. “You are right, good sir. I should have swooned dramatically and cast the back of my hand over my brow with delight. Shall we try again?”
He stepped closer, the playfulness in his expression obvious. “Oh, I believe I prefer this version of you. It is far more challenging. Keeps me on my toes.”
Genevieve tilted her head, a spark of mischief dancing in her eyes. “Well, someone has to keep your ego in check.”
Wilhelm raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “And here I thought I was the charming one. Yet, somehow, you are the one stealing the show.”
She feigned a dramatic sigh, holding the bouquet close to her chest. “It is a heavy burden, being both clever and charming. But someone must bear it.”
He laughed, the rich sound filling the quiet of the woods. “Well, if I cannot compete, perhaps it is time to admit defeat.”
Genevieve arched an eyebrow. “Defeat? From you? I never thought I would see the day.”
Wilhelm leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Only because I have another plan in mind. What do you say we head home? I have a feeling that the best is yet to come.”
Genevieve’s cheeks reddened, but she refused to let him win so easily. “Only if you promise not to make any more overly poetic compliments.”
He chuckled, offering her his arm with a mock-serious bow. “A promise I doubt that I will be able to keep, my dear Duchess. But I will try, for now, just to please you.”
“Now the corset, Your Grace,” Anna said kindly, guiding Genevieve into the structured garment with practiced hands.
Her nimble fingers began lacing the ties of her mistress’s corset with practiced ease.
They both turned around when a soft knock sounded at the bedroom door.
“May I enter, darling?” Wilhelm’s voice called.
“Mmm, you may,” Genevieve called back. Her heart fluttered, a smile gracing her lips as she granted him permission.
The door swung open to reveal Wilhelm’s tall frame. “You look breathtaking, Genevieve,” he said.
He approached her, admiring the curves of her form and the intricate details of her gown.
With a subtle gesture, he dismissed Anna, who curtsied respectfully before exiting the room, leaving them alone in the soft candlelight.
Wilhelm’s fingers gently traced the neckline of his wife’s dress, his light touch igniting a trail of heat that prickled her skin. A soft shiver coursed through her, her breath catching as his hand paused.
His voice, low and smooth, brushed against her like velvet. “May I?”
