"Lianaaaaa… I'm bored…"
Javier's voice echoed through the study as he lay sprawled across Liana's lap, his head resting comfortably against her thighs. His eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, the stack of books on the nearby table clearly forgotten.
Liana turned another page of her book, her expression calm and composed. Her free hand brushed through his slightly messy black hair with gentle, rhythmic strokes.
"Young Master, if you're bored, why not return to your studies?"
"Ugh, nooo. I want to go outside." Javier tilted his head to look up at her, his eyes wide with theatrical pleading.
"No, you can't. Do you want Madam Francesca to cook your Pekko?"
Javier shot upright, genuine panic flashing across his face. "Right… She might really do it…" He shivered, the image of his mother sharpening a kitchen knife while smiling sweetly still too fresh in his memory.
"Then behave." Liana's emerald eyes sparkled with quiet amusement as she turned another page.
