The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 136: Horseback Riding

Chapter 136: Horseback Riding

Damien’s horse proved to be nearly as remarkable as the man himself. This magnificent creature stood out with its massive, muscular build, exuding an aura of strength and power. Its dark coat and fierce demeanor added to its imposing presence.

Within the horse’s luxuriant mane, delicate red ribbons were carefully tied, contrasting beautifully against its dark hide. Its bright auburn eyes, almost as piercing as those belonging to its master, held a spark of intelligence and intensity.

In every aspect, this majestic stallion was more than deserving of carrying a man of Grand Duke Dio’s stature. It embodied the perfect blend of grace, strength, and elegance befitting such a distinguished rider.

Damien extended a helpful hand to assist Rosalie as she carefully mounted the horse, settling onto a neatly folded blanket. He took his place immediately behind her, his strong presence offering reassurance and security. Her anticipation for the impending adventure bubbled within her, though occasional, subtle shivers of suppressed fear coursed through her, serving as reminders to maintain composure.

"Are you scared?"

Damien leaned in closer to his beloved wife, gently resting his chin atop her left shoulder. Lady Ashter could not help but flinch slightly at the sensation of his soft hair lightly brushing against her ear.

"Well, I must admit, despite my eagerness, there’s a lingering sense of trepidation that I can’t quite shake."

A playful smirk graced the duke’s lips as he exhaled warm breath, causing a gentle caress against Rosalie’s ear. He then tenderly planted a feather-light kiss on her smooth skin before resuming his upright posture, securing the leather reins with both hands.

"It’s alright, I will make sure to keep you safe at all times, so you just hold on tight and enjoy the process."

Not allowing even a moment of hesitation or giving her the luxury of replying, Damien hit the sides of the horse with both feet, initiating their departure at once.

In the initial moments, Rosalie experienced a complex blend of emotions, a heady mix of exhilaration and trepidation. The untamed, erratic motions of the galloping horse created a sense of unease within her. Her primary focus seemed to be the relentless effort required to maintain her balance and prevent any untimely fall from the spirited stallion’s back.

Nonetheless, each time she teetered on the verge of instability, the reassuring presence of Damien’s robust form pressing against her back provided an anchor of security. His muscular arms, firmly clutching the leather reins, resembled protective barriers flanking her, instilling a profound sense of safety.

Then, in a sudden shift of perception, everything began to harmonize, and an encompassing sense of ease washed over her once again.

"Are we moving too fast? Would you prefer a slower pace to savor the breathtaking scenery?"

Damien’s resonant voice suddenly caressed Rosalie’s ears, surprising her, especially since she had become entranced by the lush, verdant landscape whizzing by as they ventured through the dense woods enveloping the Dio Duchy.

Did she want to slow down? The evident response appeared to be a resounding no. Somehow, she found herself utterly ensnared in this particular moment.

The horse’s steadfast, swift motions, the gentle caress of the fresh breeze against her face, and the melodious rustling of her securely bound locks in tandem with her husband’s presence, which perfumed the surrounding air with his distinctive fragrance, a tantalizing blend of his own scent intermingled with a touch of his usual poignant cologne... All of it combined to create an intoxicating and soothing atmosphere. It was the novelty of this experience that quickened her heartbeat, mirroring the rhythmic gallop of the horse’s hooves.

The passage of time remained elusive to her as they journeyed amid the towering trees, tracing a path shrouded in mystery. The enchantment of the forest’s allure appeared boundless, and deep within her heart, she harbored a fervent hope that it would last forever.

Upon emerging from the forest’s embrace, the horse finally eased its pace, and Rosalie nearly gasped in awe at the sight that unfolded before her.

In the embrace of a blooming spring, the landscape unfolded in breathtaking harmony. Verdant meadow stretched beneath an azure sky, adorned by vibrant wildflowers that painted the earth with hues of lavender, goldenrod, and delicate blues. Towering, yet scarce, trees stood as ancient sentinels, casting pleasant shadows onto the ground, their branches swaying gently in the whispering breeze.

A meandering river, its waters a shimmering mirror, carved a sinuous path through this idyllic scene, reflecting the bright blue heavens above. The air carried the sweet fragrance of blossoms, and the symphony of chirping birds and bubbling water created a serene melody that enveloped both Rosalie and Damien as they slowly moved through the meadow.

’Wow...’

As this notion graced Lady Rosalie’s thoughts, Damien skillfully brought the horse to a halt and carefully dismounted, gracing his wife with a buoyant smile.

"Are you fond of this place? It’s Dio family land, secluded and reserved just for us now. I’ve yearned to share this blossoming beauty with you since we committed to each other, Rosalie. Somehow, I had a feeling you’d be captivated by this view."

For several moments, Rosalie found herself at a loss for words. The breathtaking panorama unfolding before her had left her momentarily speechless, her mind a canvas of awe and wonder. Finally, after drawing a deep, contemplative breath, she returned Damien’s smile and replied,

"It’s... I adore it. Truly, I do."

As if relieved by her sincere response, the duke moved swiftly, yet with a gentle touch, as he tenderly enveloped the lady in his arms. He casually retrieved the blanket from beneath her and proceeded toward the azure river. There, he unfurled the blanket and assisted Rosalie in finding her seat, positioning himself once more behind her, his sturdy arms encircling her in a protective embrace.

In this tranquil moment, words seemed superfluous, and their unspoken desire for each other’s presence sufficed.

So they remained, seated in serene silence, enraptured by the picturesque river view. They relished the sweet fragrance of the meadow carried on the fresh spring breeze, their intertwined hands a testament to their unspoken connection, while the rhythmic cadence of their heartbeats provided a soothing background to their shared contemplation.

However, an enduring sense of unease continued to gnaw at Rosalie. A multitude of unanswered questions swirled in her mind, casting a shadow over her thoughts. She yearned for even the slightest morsel of information to ease her restlessness.

"Damien... How was your journey to the North?"

The question was unintentionally vague, a strategic approach chosen by Lady Ashter. Fresh in her memory were the contents of the letter sent by the High Priest, and with the female lead’s appearance canceled, she contemplated whether delving into his condition might yield insights that could aid her in seeking a solution herself.

Damien hesitated, his response held in check by an unspoken weight lingering in the atmosphere.

"Damien?"

Rosalie’s desire to face her husband was palpable, but he gently nestled his chin atop the crown of her head, a silent plea for her patience. He released a brief, contemplative sigh before finally sharing,

"It was indescribably harrowing. The extended separation from you felt more agonizing than any battle, Rosalie."