"Why would someone need a ballroom?" Rosalie's husband inquired, his expression one of distaste. Rosalie laughed at his reaction, freeing her arm from his and placing her hands on her hips.
"To host parties, obviously! Why possess such an enormous house without including a ballroom?" she responded teasingly.
Ominis rolled his eyes affectionately. Their voices echoed in the dim space, dust motes floating in the air, faintly illuminated by ancient chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. He had only recently explored the entire manor at Rosalie's insistence, as it was now her home too. Previously, he had avoided rooms like this one, uninterested in the idea of large gatherings and preferring to avoid spaces dedicated to such noisy affairs.
His experiences with obligatory social events in his youth had left him disinclined towards hosting or attending them. "And what would you do at one of these parties?" he asked, observing his wife.
Rosalie, as usual, had a ready answer, surprising him. "Oh, you don't know? Parties like these are for dancing."
Her tone was playful, causing him to become flustered. She approached him. "Don't you know how to dance formally? I recall your complaints about taking lessons when you were younger," she prompted.
Ominis laughed quietly, accepting her extended hand. "I might still remember," he murmured, placing his other hand lightly on her waist.
Rosalie positioned her hand on his shoulder, smiling widely. They began to move together across the old tile floor, Ominis leading her in a slow dance reminiscent of those popular in the county. As they ended up in the center of the room, Rosalie wrapped her arms around his neck, and he held her closer, swaying gently to an imagined melody.
When they stilled, Ominis broke the silence, whispering, "I love you, Rosalie. More than the stars in the sky and the jewels within the earth. Please know that."
She initiated a soft kiss, smiling against his lips. "Oh, I know. You've always been this sentimental. Remember when we first met? Or when you proposed? 'Have pity on this man's heart,' you said. Back then, I rarely even got a proper greeting."
He looked down as she chuckled fondly. She placed a hand on his cheek, lifting his gaze to meet hers. "I love you too, more than the early spring blooms and more than the sun itself. Never forget that."
They rested their foreheads together briefly before the afternoon bell interrupted their moment. Smiling, they sighed and pulled apart, though they kept an arm around each other. There was work to be done, but they knew they would face it together.
They continued to visit the ballroom from time to time.