The Sun and Moons*

Taira could clearly see that his wife was upset with him, and he smiled sheepishly in the hopes of disarming her.

"I know that I said that I would be along quickly, my dear… I suppose I must have just gotten carried away."

For the first time ever, Lucia did not look moved by her husband's smile in the least.

"Husband… Do you know just how long it has been since I came in here to get you for bed the first time?"

"Ah… I would wager around two hours or so?"

"Three days."

Were it not for Taira's ability to read individuals precisely, he would have sworn that Lucia was joking.

But a single look at her stern yet beautiful face made him feel even worse about himself.

"The girls all wanted to give you time to relax and burn off whatever stress you were feeling but.. I'm not doing that anymore..!"

Lucia closed the distance between herself and Taira and placed her hand on his cheek tenderly.