Princess Iris stirred beneath the pale blue sheets as the morning sun slipped through the balcony curtains, painting golden streaks across the silk pillows. She blinked a few times, slow and gentle, before her eyes landed on the man lying beside her, his face mere inches away, watching her with an unrepentant grin.
She froze.
Her gaze dropped to the hand tucked under the covers between her legs, then followed it up the length of a strong arm to the familiar face of her betrothed, Kael Stormbite. Her cheeks bloomed a soft pink as realization set in.
Kael's smile widened. "Good morning, my love," he murmured, voice deep with sleep and amusement.
Iris blinked again, still trying to process the sight of him sharing her pillow. "Kael… what are you doing here?"
He brushed a finger along her cheek, making her squirm slightly at the touch. "Watching the prettiest woman in Vargorath wake up. Can't think of a better way to start the day."
Her eyes narrowed, though the blush on her face deepened. "Your hand is in between my legs."
"You pulled me in after midnight," he said with mock innocence. "I'm the victim here."
"I did not," she said quickly, though the hesitance in her voice betrayed her.
"You did," he teased. "Clung to me like a vine. I dare say the sweet, shy Princess has a secret wild side."
Iris sat up with a soft gasp, the sheets gathering around her waist. Her blonde hair spilled over her shoulders, glowing in the morning light. The thin silk of her nightgown clung to her like water, and when she saw Kael's eyes dip briefly to her figure, she squeaked and covered herself with her arms.
"Stop looking!" she scolded, though her voice lacked any real force.
Kael chuckled and looked away,barely. "Can't help it. The view is unfair."
Iris huffed, turning her face to the side, though a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "You're shameless."
"And you're beautiful," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
Her expression faltered, melting into something softer, something more vulnerable. "The maids… what if they saw you leave? What will they say?"
Kael kissed her forehead. "At least they will have something to talk about."
She groaned, burying her face in her hands. He laughed quietly and stood, stretching as he moved toward the door.
"Breakfast is ready downstairs," he said. "Take your time. I'll keep your seat warm."
She peeked through her fingers to watch him go, her heart fluttering in her chest.
Kael paused at the door and looked back at her, giving her one last crooked grin. "By the way," he added, voice playful, "you snore when you're cuddling."
"I do not!" she shouted after him, but he was already gone, his laughter echoing down the hall.
Iris sat there for a moment longer, face warm and heart full.
And despite herself, she smiled.
The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of the dinning hall, casting golden light across the long breakfast table. The scent of fresh bread, roasted herbs, and spiced tea filled the room. Silver dishes gleamed with honeyed fruits, crisped meats, soft cheeses, and still-warm loaves of brown rye. Bowls of porridge, sprinkled with crushed nuts and dried berries, sat beside polished mugs of steaming root brew.
A servant poured juice into crystal cups as everyone ate, their voices low with early morning restraint.
To his right, Princess Selene settled gracefully into her seat, her long gown pooling at her feet. Beside her, Queen Maravelle sat tall and composed, her silver hair pinned high, eyes already scanning the faces around the table.
Kael lounged into his chair opposite the Queen, raking a hand through his hair as a servant poured his tea. At his side, Princess Iris sat with a gentle smile, folding her hands in her lap, her presence soft and warming, like morning light.
Further down the table, Prince Aedric spoke in low tones to his wife, Lady Virelle. With her auburn hair swept up in a braided crown and her emerald-green dress trimmed in black lace, she looked every inch the noblewoman.
Queen Maravelle placed her fork down with a soft clink, dabbing the corners of her mouth with a linen napkin. Her gaze slid toward Iris, her tone smooth but cool.
"I see you've chosen yellow again, dear. It's… sweet. Like something a young governess might wear to keep the children calm."
Iris blinked, her smile dimming for just a heartbeat before she bowed her head slightly.
Kael didn't even look up from his plate. "I chose it for her, Mother."
Maravelle arched a brow, her voice smooth as satin drawn over steel. "Did you? It's rather soft. I suppose you're going for demure now?"
Iris kept her eyes on her tea, fingers wrapped too tightly around the porcelain. She said nothing.
Kael set down his fork with a deliberate clink, finally raising his gaze. "No. I'm going for happy. She smiled when she wore it, so I asked her to wear it again."
Maravelle's lips thinned. "Of course. A smile is a rare currency these days."
Across the table, Selene sipped delicately from her goblet, not bothering to hide her amusement.
Kael leaned back, arm brushing behind Iris's chair. "She should dress to please me, not anyone else and certainly not the ghosts of your wardrobe."
Maravelle's fingers paused on her goblet stem. "How romantic," she said coolly. "I do hope that sentiment lasts longer than your last... impulse."
Aedric gave a soft snort and murmured something to Virelle, who covered her mouth with gloved fingers to stifle a laugh.
But Iris, cheeks pink, lifted her chin, just barely, and Kael, without breaking gaze, casually reached for her hand beneath the table.
Maravelle turned to Thornak, her tone light but laced with frost. "And what of the girl in your chambers, my son? Surely you don't intend to keep her hidden away like some treasured pet. What are your plans for her?"
"She will be working here," Thornak said evenly, "as soon as she recovers fully."
Maravelle arched a brow, her voice cool. "Why is she occupying your room, then, instead of the servants' quarters? Seems a strange kindness for a mere worker."
Thornak didn't flinch. He met his mother's gaze and said dryly, "Well, I am a kind person."
Kael let out a low chuckle, and Aedric smirked into his cup.
Maravelle's lips thinned, but she said nothing, for now.