#pentilyet

Josephine couldn't blame Cassandra's absence for her insomnia. She tried pinpointing the reason for her restless mind, but there was nothing specific troubling her at the moment. This was the third night in a row sleep had eluded her, and it was beginning to have an impact on her temper during the afternoon chores. Either the room was not the right temperature, her tea  didn’t taste as it should or her clothes were the wrong type of fabric, making her itch when she tried focusing on her duties. She knew it was all because of sleep deprivation, and it would have to end soon, or she’d go mad.

Maybe she was under too much stress after all. Even her mother had pointed it out the last time they’d seen each other. But there was so much to do: people to meet, shipments to be supervised, negotiations to be held, letters to be written… She sighed and opened the balcony door, letting the brisk autumn air flow past her. Perhaps she should consider taking an assistant after all, someone to whom she could delegate the simpler, but nonetheless time consuming tasks of the business.

The night sky was clear and dark blue and dotted with bright stars, the wind in the trees a quiet whisper. She looked across the garden and over to the sea where the moon laid a sparkling bridge upon its calm surface, and sighed.

“You are so beautiful.”

She jumped a little, although she would know that voice anywhere. When she turned around, strong arms caught her, wrapping around her waist.

“I'm glad you're back,” Josephine whispered, pressing her cheek against the leather armor Cassandra wore and inhaling the familiar scent.

“I'm glad to be back.”

“You’re home early.” She pulled Cassandra down to a soft, lingering kiss, feeling her smile against her lips.

“Lucky night,” her wife whispered. When they parted, there was a small frown on Cassandra’s face. “But why are you still up at this hour? I expected you to be sound asleep.”

Josephine pursed her lips, looking away. “I’ve been having trouble sleeping.”

“I have been wondering if something is troubling you."

Josephine turned around and looked at the dark garden, leaning on the balcony railing. "I'm not sure.”

Cassandra sighed. “Have you pushed yourself too hard again?”

“Possibly. I’m considering hiring help.”

Cassandra made a quiet approving "mhm.“ She didn't need to say more.

“I know," Josephine said, "but it is hard letting someone else handle the matters.  I have such a clear vision on how it all should be done,” she continued, pulling the blanket higher up her shoulders. “What if they make a mistake and it has a terrible impact on the business?”

She felt Cassandra’s body pressing against her back, her arms hugging her tightly. “I acknowledge it is absolutely outrageous to tell a  person like you who has been pulling strings for years," Cassandra said with a small smile in the corner of her mouth. Josephine couldn't see it but she could hear it in her voice, "but my darling, you cannot control everything."

Josephine let out a small giggle. “My Lady, how dare you expose me like this?"

She heard Cassandra laugh, low and warm, her presence already relieving some of the restlessness. As she felt her wife nuzzle her face into her neck and the soft, lingering kiss placed behind her ear, she sighed, closing her eyes. “Shall we go inside now?” Cassandra whispered. “It’s too cold to stay out here.”

Josephine nodded, turning around. “Alright.  Although, I don’t think I could find sleep yet.”

***

After Cassandra had changed her clothes for the night and Josephine had stoked the fire, they settled on the couch in front of the fireplace. Cassandra lay down on the cushions against the armrest and pulled Josephine into her arms, cuddled beneath a shared blanket. She grabbed a book of poems from the table, and by taking turns, they began reading them one after the other.

The syllables fell from their tongues in different ways, crackling flames accompanying the words. The sweet haze of drowsiness began slowly falling upon them, Cassandra‘s eyes occasionally drooping, Josephine’s lilting voice lulling her. Still, she insisted on staying awake, until she could hear only quiet mumbling, Josephine’s words becoming unintelligible to her ears.

Not long after, the words ceased completely, giving way to steady breathing. Cassandra listened for a while, letting her wife fall into deeper sleep. Smiling, she closed the book and laid it on the table, shifting carefully so as not to wake her up. She placed a soft kiss on Josephine's head, moving them both so she could take her into her arms and to carry her to bed. As she laid her down on the sheets, Josephine mumbled something before sighing contentedly and snuggling beneath the blankets.