The moment the door closed behind the king and the empress, the Ice Belle's eyes sparkled. She let out a cheerful trill and, without hesitation, leapt onto Lucas's chest again...this time with even more enthusiasm than before.
Lucas grunted softly from the sudden weight but couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. "Easy there…" he muttered, his voice still hoarse from weeks of silence.
The little creature tilted her head, chirping happily, as if scolding him for staying asleep so long. Then, with a quick spin, she raised her tiny hands and released a gentle wave of frost that swirled beautifully above them. The faint glimmer of snowflakes danced in the air, refracting the light of the lamps.
Lira covered her mouth, laughing softly. "Oh, she's showing off," she said teasingly, watching as the Ice Belle clapped her hands and created a miniature snow sculpture...a tiny figure of Lucas, lying flat with his eyes closed.
