He walked through his silent house, weary from his day in the world outside. The comfort his home brought to him filled him with a peace and his aches and pains seemed just a bit more distant. He thought of the comfort and calming atmosphere of his bedroom as he walked down the hall towards it. He knew it would feel so good to shed his robes and climb into the soft bed. As he approached, he noticed a faint light appearing under the door. He wondered if he had left a candle or lantern burning in his haste to leave earlier and chastised himself at his carelessness.
He opened the door and first noticed a small fire burning merrily in the fireplace. His forehead wrinkled in consternation, as he knew he did not leave a fire burning. Just as he began to wonder if a hot coal had ignited, his glance fell on his bed and he saw her.
Just the top of her head appeared on his pillow, her silvery hair fanned out. Her hand curled near her cheek in sleep. He caught the sounds of her soft breaths as she slept. She had a slight smile curving her lips. Her arm and shoulder were bare and he thought the rest of her must be too. This thought caused a tightening in his groin as he moaned softly under his breath. He glanced around the room and his eyes alighted on her clothes draped over a chair. Soft delicate robes of purple, boots of fine leather, a pair of gloves, and a warm cloak were laid out as if awaiting her return. He smiled and looked back to the bed, stepping closer.
Had he ever gazed upon such delicate, pale skin? Her skin seemed to radiate with warmth through the ivory. He thought of how easily she blushed at jokes and innuendo. He thought of how easily her skin marked when handled roughly. This thought made a groan escape from his throat again. He wanted nothing more than to pull back the thick comforters that surrounded her body and crawl into the bed beside her.