The mountain air in Tyrol was crisp, clean, and sweetly pine-scented, a welcome contrast to the scorched heat of Arabia.
As Bruno stepped down from the aircraft, the last golden rays of evening cast long shadows across the estate's private runway, nestled amid the jagged peaks and evergreen forests.
She was already there, of course.
Heidi stood just beyond the security line, wrapped in a deep green wool coat that complemented her blonde hair, already sporting hints of grey.
The years had touched her gracefully. Her figure was still statuesque, her posture proud, and her eyes retained the same sky blue fire that had once stopped court gossip dead in its tracks.
She smiled the moment she saw him and began walking forward with practiced poise, not rushed, but eager.
Bruno smiled and stepped forward to meet her halfway, arms opening instinctively.
"You're late," she teased gently as he embraced her, her voice a familiar balm to his travel-wearied nerves.
