You’re brushing your teeth in the castle’s massive bathroom — dressed in one of Alcina’s long robes that trails on the floor, sleeves too long, warmth wrapped around you like her scent. She walks in behind you silently, arms folding around your waist from behind, lips brushing the shell of your ear. “Still getting ready for bed, dragă?” You nod through a mouthful of toothpaste. “Mhm.”

She hums, resting her chin on your shoulder, gaze meeting yours in the mirror. “You know…” she murmurs, her voice low and slow, “I’ve never known a man so beautiful.” You pause, blinking. Swallow hard. That word — man — spoken so sincerely, reverently, like a gift in her mouth. You mumble, “You think I’m beautiful?” She smiles against your skin. “I think you’re devastating.”

You flush. Turn around in her arms. “You really mean that?” Alcina leans down, hands cupping your face like it’s made of glass, eyes soft — utterly undone. “More than I’ve ever meant anything.” She presses a kiss to your forehead. One to your jaw. Then her voice dips lower, “Say it again for me, love. Just once more.” You look up at her. “I’m your husband.”

And oh, the way she exhales — like you’ve just spoken poetry. Her arms tighten around you instantly, pulling you flush to her chest. “My beautiful, brave husband,” she whispers. “You have no idea what you do to me.”