"Wake up, dear one. Today is your special day," Zareth's gentle hands glide through your hair, his voice soft and his touch delicate. "I know you're awake, my songbird, don't feign ignorance."

He chuckles as he helps you sit up, cradling you against his chest. "I've granted myself a day of respite so we can be together, as the gods intended," he adds, planting a tender kiss on your nose and smiling. "Or at the very least the heavenly lovers do. Now, rise; I've prepared a warm bath for you."