A Kept Promise

"Leonard, it's stuffy inside. Can we go out?"

Vivian's voice was soft, almost coaxing, as she blinked her large, doll-like eyes at him. She was trying to charm him, hoping that a bit of sweetness might help her escape the situation she was currently in.

But Leonard only stared at her as if she had lost her mind.

Was she serious?

His body was practically molded against hers, with only a thin layer of fabric keeping them apart. He could feel her warmth beneath him, feel the rapid rise and fall of her chest. There was no way she didn't notice the way his arousal pressed against her, how easy it would be for him to claim her in this moment.

And yet, in the midst of all this tension, she was talking about going outside?

Leonard couldn't decide if she was truly oblivious or if she was purposely teasing him.

Vivian, of course, noticed the unreadable expression on his face, but she didn't care. She already knew Leonard wouldn't push things too far tonight. He might be impatient, but he was still giving her time to recover from last night's activities. However, that didn't mean she was completely safe.

There was more than one way for a man to satisfy himself, and she was painfully aware of all of them, thanks to Arthur, her fiancé back on Earth.

Even if her body could take it, she wasn't mentally prepared for it. And more than that, she wasn't lying when she said the room felt stuffy. It really did.

The original Vivian had always been active. She wasn't the type to sit still for too long. Every day, she took walks in the garden, visited the temple once a week, and occasionally wandered through the streets. Even before she had woken up in this new body, she herself had hated confinement. As a child, illness had kept her locked away in a room for years, leaving her desperate for fresh air, for the feeling of movement, for the ability to step outside whenever she pleased.

Now, she was feeling that same suffocating restlessness.

She needed to get out of this room.

So, she decided to use the best weapon in her arsenal, acting adorable.

Tilting her head slightly, she blinked up at him with soft, pleading eyes, letting her lips part just enough to look vulnerable. She made sure her voice was as sweet as possible, hoping to break through whatever resistance he had.

And thankfully, she didn't have to wait long.

Leonard let out a deep sigh, rubbing her cheek affectionately with the pad of his thumb.

"You're going to be the death of me," he muttered, his voice laced with exasperation. "You know I can't resist you."

Vivian smiled triumphantly, thinking she had won, until he added, "But wouldn't it be more fun to stay inside? Just the two of us, keeping each other company?"

"No, it's not fun at all!" Vivian huffed, puffing her cheeks in frustration. "I want to go back to the estate and play with the fairies in the enchanted garden! You promised to take me there last night, but you never did."

Leonard chuckled. He could see right through her little act, but that didn't make it any less entertaining. She wasn't trying to escape him entirely, she was just restless.

"My lady, I did keep my promise," he said smoothly, his golden eyes glinting with amusement.

Vivian narrowed her eyes. "No, you didn't!"

"Yes, I did, my dear wife," Leonard smirked. "Because we are already in the enchanted garden."

Vivian froze.

For a moment, she just stared at him.

"What?"

Leonard's smirk deepened. He could practically see the disbelief on her face.

Vivian's lips parted as if to argue, but she hesitated. Were they really still inside the Valerion estate? She had been so sure they were elsewhere, how could they still be in the garden?

Seeing her skepticism, Leonard let out a low chuckle. "It seems my wife doesn't believe me. I suppose I'll have to prove it to you."

With a flick of his fingers, her white gown shimmered and transformed into a warm yellow dress, one far more suitable for the outdoors. The fabric was soft and flowing, moving elegantly as she shifted.

Meanwhile, Leonard remained unchanged. He was still in his same crisp shirt and trousers, as if the cold meant nothing to him.

He extended a hand toward her. "Come."

Vivian hesitated, her gaze flickering between his hand and his face. Finally, she placed her hand in his. His grip was firm and warm, enclosing hers completely.

Still holding onto her, Leonard led her toward a massive, mirror-like door. The surface was smooth and reflective, but there was something otherworldly about it, like a thin veil separating two dimensions.

Vivian barely had time to react before Leonard walked them both straight through it.

There was no resistance. No sensation.

It was as if the door never existed at all.

And then—

Fresh air.

Vivian inhaled sharply, her senses overwhelmed by the sudden change in environment. The cool, crisp scent of blooming flowers filled her lungs. The sky above them stretched endlessly, painted in soft hues of gold and pink, as if caught in an eternal sunset.

They were standing in a vast, breathtaking garden. Towering trees with glowing leaves surrounded them, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. Butterflies with iridescent wings fluttered through the air, leaving behind trails of sparkling dust.

And in the distance, among the lush greenery and enchanting flowers, tiny, delicate figures flitted about.

Fairies.

Vivian's breath caught in her throat.

They really were in the enchanted garden, she can still see the house behind them.

She turned to Leonard in shock. "We were here this whole time?"

Leonard smiled, pleased by her reaction. "Did you think I would break my promise?"

Vivian didn't answer right away. She was too busy taking in the sight before her. The fairies were watching them curiously, their translucent wings shimmering as they hovered nearby. The garden was unlike anything she had ever seen before, so magical, so alive.

It was almost hard to believe.

Leonard reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Are you satisfied now, my little troublemaker?"

Vivian bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile.

Maybe she was.

For now.