Abruptly, Alex was jolted awake by a cacophony of shouts. His gaze snapped to his fiancée, Lucy, who was staring at him with an urgency that matched her frantic calls for him to rise. Today marked their awakening day, a momentous occasion that Lucy had been attempting to rouse him from for the past ten minutes, only to succumb to sleep each time he stirred.
This relentless cycle of awakening and dozing only served to stoke the flames of Lucy's frustration. Her expression was a portrait of exasperation, anger simmering just beneath the surface as she grappled with the absurdity of his apparent indifference on such a significant day.
While Lucy wrestled with her anxieties, unable to find solace in sleep, her mind was consumed with thoughts of what talent she might awaken to. The weight of expectation, a burden she had carried since childhood, loomed over her like a dark cloud. Yet, here was Alex, sleeping soundly, seemingly untouched by the gravity of their impending destinies.
In truth, Alex harbored his own fears regarding the awakening, for he was known as a prodigious talent, a "monster among monsters." From an early age, he had displayed abilities that set him apart, and the pressure was palpable. Yet, he had chosen to set aside his worries, recognizing that fretfulness would not alter his fate, thus he surrendered to sleep.
Lucy's unease was not born from a belief in her own inferiority; rather, it stemmed from the uncertainty of embarking on a new chapter in her life. Her talent, while formidable, felt dwarfed by the looming comparison to Alex's extraordinary abilities.
Once Alex was finally roused, Lucy made her way to the kitchen, where she was greeted warmly by Alex's parents, Arthur and Rebecca Sunway.
"How are you feeling, sister-in-law?" a bright, cheerful voice chimed in her direction, causing her cheeks to flush crimson. It was Amy, Alex's younger sister, whose innocent enthusiasm often brightened the room.
"Just a bit anxious," Lucy replied hastily, yet her embarrassment only deepened under the amused gazes of Arthur and Rebecca, who exchanged knowing smiles at her flustered demeanor.
Moments later, Alex entered the kitchen, still clad in his nightclothes. His white hair lent him an air of nobility, while his striking emerald eyes captivated everyone around him. As the son of the Duke of Kanlock, he carried himself with an effortless grace that resonated with the essence of royalty.
Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed by his family, and it was then that he noticed Lucy's discontent with his relaxed demeanor. With a sense of purpose, he made his way to the kitchen, still dressed in his night attire.
Taking a seat beside Lucy at the grand dining table, he surveyed the scene: his father, Arthur, presided over the table with the warmth of a loving patriarch, a stark contrast to the fierce warrior he was known to be. His mother, Rebecca, sat beside him, her gaze filled with tenderness as she cherished this precious moment. Meanwhile, Amy was engrossed in her playful antics with her food, her preference for sweets evident as she showed little interest in anything else.
In that tranquil space, Alex felt a profound sense of peace, a resolution to preserve this harmony and protect it from any external turmoil. His gaze drifted to Lucy, who was poised with her fork, ready to take a bite of omelette when her eyes met his.
In that fleeting moment, he discerned the worry and affection she held for him, and he silently vowed to ensure her happiness, as well as that of everyone he loved.
As a determined expression settled on Alex's face, Lucy's earlier anxieties seemed to dissipate, replaced by a warmth that radiated in the presence of her beloved fiancé.
"Ahem! Let's finish breakfast quickly!" Arthur's voice broke the spell, prompting both Alex and Lucy to hasten their meal, eager to comply with his urging.