“Oh my god….I thought you were kidding with your wedding outfit.”

Charles could not believe his eyes. They are accompanying Charlotte to the Modiste for a fitting of their wedding dress.

Wearing an ivory white wedding gown, the A-line silhouette displays a mix of femininity in Charlotte’s body shape as well as the forms of their muscles.

“Last time I wore a dress was 15. Might as well do it for my special day.”

Charlotte giggles as she turns around to look at her back. The intricate floral lace of lotus and lily ran down from the corset all the way into the layered skirt.

Lily for the purity of souls.

Lotus for a rebirth.

It was Walter who taught you the meaning of these flowers. And their meanings fit well with the true goal of this marriage.

To rebrand.

To start a more stable and a happier life.

The date started as a genuine interest. Walter is cute, in their eyes at least. When it squirms in the presence of Undrell. When it got exciting talking about flower languages and musical instruments.

Or, when it looked at them standing up to Undrell.

And thus, even if the Earl Montague forced her to marry to avoid expulsion from the family, Charlotte does not feel a single drop of remorse - as the feeling they have for it has been growing already.

“Morgan, the armpit areas feel a bit tight. Could you alter the dress a bit?”

---

The wedding day.

The misadventure that foreshadows the event has made a strong union in Charlotte and Walter.

Even the Earl Montague made a public appearance for the first time since the death of Charity Montague, and he led his only daughter down the wedding aisle.

Charles Montague sat proudly in the aisle with his date, George Grandville.

Charles, especially, is clearly struggling to keep a stern look as they are so jubilant of their sister’s beauty.

People stare at them in awe. Charlotte in their lotus and lily wedding dress, and full make up, looks captivating. Their hair was grown into a small bob that curls at the tip.

They already possess both the beauty and the strength, and today both of those values were multiplied into ethereal proportions.

Under the veil, they glance at Walter the whole time the priest reads their vows.

As if time has stopped, the only thing Charlotte can remember that morning was the giddy happy face of their soon to be husband.

And, of course, the tastes of Walter’s lips as they shared a passionate kiss for the first time ever after being pronounced husband and wife.

---

A few months later, Charlotte moved into the Nevill-Fox mansion.

Even though they now reside in the home of their in-law family, that did not stop Charlotte from being who they have always been.

During the day, they spent time meeting and working with Lady Amelia. Their mercantile and maritime trading business is going well - as Charlotte is skilled with people while Amelia is a master of her own growing business venture. They work together with respect and comradery - having been through similar experience in the Ton and having been more transparent with each other as a trustworthy business partner.

At night, or in their free time, Charlotte’s time is occupied by Walter.

Be it learning to play a violin with Walter or listening to Walter’s practice while reading their own book, teaching Walter how to fight with a sword and sail, and of course - dance. The two enjoy dancing together in silence from time to time - taking turns holding each other and giggling like a young couple.

It reminds them of their first dance at the Inaugural Ball with the Chesterton family.

The Ton whispers of Charlotte’s surprisingly elegance and manners. They have transformed themselves away from their ugly pirate life into a homey wife in a year. The Ton thought that the marriage changed Charlotte.

But deep down, Charlotte knows the true reason. It’s the love and acceptance coming from her husband. Its willingness to accommodate their broken sides, and its sincerity in helping its wife heal.

It’s simply Walter being the right person for Charlotte that fixed them.

---

Five years have gone by.

The cold spring air is wafting through the open window.

The winter has ended, but something else is still growing strong.

Charlotte and Walter’s marriage has aged into a strong companionship.

They still spend quality time together - still enjoying the things that each or both of them are interested in.

Even today, they are spending their morning together.

The new flower plots just outside the couple’s bedroom balcony are blooming red, yellow, and purple.

The two are sitting on a couch by the balcony together - cherishing the nice view of the garden over a cup of tea.

Charlotte puts down a cup, and turns to Walter.

“….What’s your thought on having a baby?”

Walter almost spit out its tea, nervously putting down its cup.

“Well, you see…my parents have been anticipating that I would have a child by now. And lately…I feel a lot more nurturing than I used to…before we were married”

Charlotte slowly moves her spot closer to Walter - sitting right next to him now.

“So… what do you think, Walter…”

Charlotte puts a hand on Walter’s shoulder, caressing it with intent.

“I am open to…ummm…I am much more open to it than I was, let's say. Now…”

At Charlotte’s signals, their husband leans in and kisses them with a passion of a newly wed groom.

The lingering sweetness of the tea. The taste of Walter’s tongue. The aroma of its fresh perfume.

These sensations drive Charlotte's emotions past the point of shyness and subtlety.

Charlotte thus gently pulls away, stands, and takes Walter by the hand, leading it toward the bed behind them. They push the balcony doors closed, shutting out the cool spring air. And at last, the curtains close on the two lovers.

– Written by Chavin B.