Chapter 25:
Valendor
I head to the kitchen, trying to regain my composure as I dish out the dinner I prepared earlier.
I sneak glances at her from the corner of my eye.
Nikolai's face is flaming. It's comical, seeing the usually composed and put-together one of us so unnerved and embarrassed.
Dinner passes in a whirlwind of laughter and conversation.
Pride swells in my chest at the look of enjoyment on their faces as they savor the meal. I glance at her. My heart flutters at the sight of her eyes sparkling with laughter, her curly hair bouncing with each movement.
Suddenly, she looks directly at me.
I feel caught off guard.
I excuse myself under the guise of clearing the dishes and retreat to the kitchen to calm down. My heart beats a thousand times per second.
I need a moment alone to collect my thoughts.
***
Lucina
Nikolai has disappeared somewhere.
Valendor pretends to be overly interested in doing the dishes. A slight smile tugs at his lips as he tries to avoid any awkward glances.
My attention shifts to shirtless Haroun. He sits awkwardly on a chair in the living area.
He's like a cat.
I observe his black hair as he looks down, seemingly lost in thought.
I crawl over to Haroun and gently slide into his arms. I rest my head against his chest. The sound of his steady heartbeat is oddly comforting.
A sense of peace settles over me.
This is the life.
Grateful for this simple comfort after spending so long with that old man, in temples and monasteries.
I focus on the rise and fall of his chest. The warmth of his body seeps into mine. Haroun's chest is surprisingly huge and comfortable.
I drift off to sleep to the slightly-too-fast beat of his heart.
As I doze off, I wonder why I feel so utterly exhausted.
But for now, I let myself sink into the blissful embrace of sleep.
***
Haroun
I can't move.
Literally.
I look at the curly strands tickling my nose, blocking my view of her face.
How can she sleep so peacefully?
I feel her warmth against my chest as she rests in my arms. I'm sure she can hear the rapid beat of my heart. A symphony of nervousness and something else I can't quite place.
Soft whispers and snickering reach my ears.
I look up.
Nikolai and Valendor exchange amused glances—likely over my current predicament.
A pang of self-consciousness hits me. But deep down, I wouldn't change this moment for anything in the world.
I close my eyes and focus on the feeling of her in my arms. Her breathing is steady and calm.
Gradually, my heart rate slows. The nervousness eases into contentment.
*
After what feels like an unknown amount of time, I open my eyes.
A familiar ceiling greets me.
I glance to my left. Valendor and Nikolai are still asleep, their arms wrapped around each other in a peaceful embrace.
A twinge of skepticism and resistance to touch stirs within me. A lingering effect from growing up in an underground fighting arena.
A year ago, I inadvertently pushed Valendor away when he tried to get close to me. I won't forget the look of hurt in his eyes at that moment.
Nikolai tried to mediate. It worked, I guess. But I feel like Valendor and Nikolai are closer to each other than they are to me.
It's partly my fault. I know that.
But Valendor hasn't reached out to me since then either.
I sigh.
I gently pull the princess closer into my arms from her position snuggled at my right. I want to feel her warmth and presence just a little bit more.
***
Lucina
I wake up feeling warm and slightly suffocated. A source of heat presses against me.
I blink my eyes open slowly.
Soft morning light bathes the room, casting a gentle glow over everything.
I look down.
Haroun's heavy arm wraps around me. His warmth seeps into my skin.
I sit up slowly, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. As I move, what was previously obstructed by Haroun's body comes into view.
I smile at the adorable sight before me.
---
Nikolai uses Valendor's left arm as an arm pillow, his head resting comfortably against it. Valendor has his arm wrapped securely around Nikolai's waist. Their bodies mold together in a way that tugs at my heartstrings.
Argh. So cute.
A sudden urge to join the cuddly scene bubbles up.
I decide to make my move.
Carefully, I climb over Haroun's sleeping form, trying not to disturb him too much. I position myself between Nikolai and Valendor.
I've always wanted to be in a cuddle sandwich.
---
With a mix of excitement and nervousness, I maneuver myself between their entwined limbs. I finally settle between them.
Almost immediately, their arms wrap around me from opposite sides.
They pull me close.
A small gasp of surprise escapes me. Warmth and affection wash over me.
It's like being wrapped in a cozy cocoon. I relax into their embrace, a content smile on my face.
Internally, I'm screaming with happiness. Cherishing this moment of closeness.
---
The morning sun continues to stream through the windows, casting a golden hue over our intertwined bodies.
I can't imagine a more perfect way to start the day.