Malvor, king of subject changes, speaks: "Annie, my queen. I told you I would take you to the beach."
He pauses dramatically.
"But I would take you anywhere. So where would you want to go? My treat? I have nothing I am doing today. Well, nothing more than normal."
"We could get out for a few days. Enjoy ourselves. You and me and some wine."
Annie tilts her head, considering. For a long moment, she doesn't answer, just swirls the last bit of her coffee in her cup, watching it settle like she's watching the possibilities form.
She could ask for anything. The most extravagant, ridiculous trip in the world. She knows he'd take her anywhere, no hesitation.
But what does she want?
Something simple. Something real.
"The countryside," she finally says, surprising even herself.
Malvor blinks. "The countryside?"
She nods. "Somewhere quiet. Somewhere warm. Rolling hills, little cottages, maybe a vineyard or two. I want to wake up to fresh air and no responsibilities. Just good food, good wine, and maybe even a boat ride."
Malvor, dramatic as ever, presses a hand to his chest. "Annie. My Annie. I love that idea. Look at you, choosing something so incredibly romantic." He waggles his eyebrows. "Are you planning to seduce me?"
She rolls her eyes. "I'm planning to drink wine, eat amazing food, and maybe push you into a lake."
He beams. "You know what? That sounds perfect."
He snaps his fingers.
The world shifts, tilting beneath their feet, and in the next instant, they stand in the middle of the most breathtaking countryside imaginable. Rolling green hills stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with clusters of wildflowers in every color. A stone path winds toward a small, charming villa nestled in the distance, surrounded by sprawling vineyards and a crystal-clear lake reflecting the blue sky.
Annie blinks at the sheer beauty of it.
Malvor grins. "Welcome to our countryside getaway, my darling. Wine, food, lakes, and plenty of opportunity for you to push me into a body of water. Your wish is my command."
"Right over that hill is my villa," Malvor announces with a grand wave of his hand, as if revealing some hidden treasure.
Annie crosses her arms. "Of course you own a villa."
He gasps, placing a hand over his chest in mock shock. "Annie, dearest, of course I own a villa. I own many villas. Estates, palaces, islands—real estate is a wise investment."
"You're just old," she deadpans.
His gasp this time is truly theatrical. "Annie! I am an ageless being of infinite charm and wit!" He narrows his eyes. "I will remind you, my sweet, sweet mortal, that by most human standards, you are also old."
She opens her mouth to argue, but he smirks before she can.
"Granny Annie," he says, voice dripping with delight.
She scowls. He lives for that scowl.
"Oh, come now, don't be like that," he teases, nudging her as they start walking. "I should get you a cane! A little rocker for the porch! Maybe some reading glasses so you can squint at books and yell about how things were better 'back in your day.'"
Annie rolls her eyes and keeps walking, already regretting all of her life choices. "This trip was a mistake."
Malvor just grins. "Oh, Granny Annie, we both know you're thrilled to be here with me."
Malvor takes her hand in his, fingers threading through hers like it's the most natural thing in the world. He brings her knuckles to his lips, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against them. His golden eyes gleam as he murmurs,
"Ready, my love?"
The words are smooth, effortless, yet they settle deep in her chest. He does not give her time to analyze it. He simply tugs her forward, leading her up the hill.
As they crest the top, the view unfolds before them.
Below lies the villa, nestled between rolling green hills and golden fields that stretch endlessly in every direction. Sun-warmed stone and rich terracotta rooftops gleam under the golden afternoon light, framed by cypress trees swaying gently in the breeze. A winding path leads to the grand entrance, where ivy climbs lazily up the walls, weaving through the elegant arches and balconies. A large terrace overlooks a sprawling vineyard, where rows of grapevines dance in the wind, whispering secrets of aged wine and long, indulgent evenings.
The air carries the scent of blooming lavender and ripened citrus, warm and inviting, as if the land itself is welcoming them home.
Annie blinks. "This is yours?"
Malvor smirks. "Surprised?"
"Honestly? Yes. I was expecting something ridiculous—a castle made of playing cards, a house floating upside down, or something equally absurd."
He gasps, feigning insult. "Annie, please. I am cultured. My taste is impeccable."
She raises an eyebrow.
"Fine," he concedes. "I do have an upside-down house somewhere, but this—" he gestures at the villa, the golden fields, the sun-drenched hills, "this is for relaxation. A place to indulge." His gaze flickers to her, something unreadable in his expression. "For pleasure."
Her breath catches, but before she can respond, he tugs her forward with a grin. "Come, Annie. Let's indulge."
Hand in hand, they descend the hill, the warm Tuscan breeze wrapping around them like an embrace.