Second first time (1)

When I woke up, I felt a light touch on my hair. Someone was playing with my locks, so delicate that I almost didn't notice.

That touch soon disappeared, and I decided to open my eyes. I turned to my wife, and I saw the hand she had just used to reach my hair clenching the sheets. She was looking at me, her eyes open as if she's been up awhile.

Knowing her, it might have actually been the case.

«Good morning,» I said, smiling at her.

It felt so familiar to wake up next to Theodora that I forgot it was the first time. I almost reached out to her, but then I remembered that she didn't yet know me.

The smile she showed me as a reaction was shy and proper, more out of courtesy than a sign of good mood. Still, it was as charming as it could be.

«It's still early, your grace,» she murmured. «I didn't intend to bother you.»