The sun had barely crested the horizon when I awoke, heart humming with anticipation for the second day of our Veridian inspections. The first day's triumph—fields golden, granaries brimming, schools alive—still glowed within me, but today's horizon promised new revelations. As I rose from the silken sheets, I found Alexander gazing out our window at the soft pink light bathing the city. His silhouette, broad‐shouldered and strong, set my heart fluttering in that gentle dawn.
"Good morning," I murmured, crossing to stand behind him. His head turned, and his eyes brightened as he saw me.
"Morning," he replied, slipping his arms around my waist. The warmth of his body made the chill of the early hour vanish. "Are you ready for Stormfield?"
I nodded, resting my cheek against his chest. "Our first time there since the repairs and new dairy cooperative opened. I'm eager to see how it's changed."
Alexander pressed a tender kiss to my forehead. "Then let's get there."
