The early morning sun filtered through the thick curtains of Alexander's chamber, casting a gentle glow over the room. The soft warmth of daylight crept across the bed, grazing the sheets where Sophia lay nestled against him. Her hair, now loose from the confines of sleep, cascaded over her shoulder like liquid gold, and her breathing was soft, steady, a serene rhythm that matched the peaceful silence surrounding them.
Alexander had awakened early, as he often did, but this time, it was different. He had no pressing thoughts, no demands waiting for him to meet. Instead, he found himself simply gazing at her, her face so calm, so beautiful in its innocence. For the first time in a long time, he felt truly content.
His fingers gently traced the line of her cheek, the soft curve of her jaw. A smile, barely noticeable but filled with so much emotion, tugged at his lips. He couldn't remember the last time he had woken up this way, at peace, at ease, with the warmth of her body so close.
This… he thought, a strange new feeling washing over him. This is what happiness feels like.
His heart swelled with tenderness, with care for her that went beyond anything he had ever known. His thoughts turned to her, to everything she had done for him, to the way she had filled the empty spaces in his life, the way she had made him feel not like the broken prince, but like the man he was meant to be.
As his gaze softened on her peaceful face, he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was even in sleep. There was something so unguarded about her when she rested, so pure, so trusting. It made him want to protect her, to cherish her more than he had ever thought possible.
Sophia stirred at the warmth of his gaze, her eyelids fluttering open slowly. The soft, drowsy light in her eyes shifted as she found herself staring directly into his. Her lips curved into a smile, though she was still half-dreaming, the world still hazy with the remnants of sleep.
"Good morning," he whispered, his voice still hushed with the quiet of early dawn.
She smiled at him, her voice just as soft. "Good morning, Alexander."
She shifted slightly, pushing herself up onto one arm to meet his gaze. There was something so easy about the way they looked at each other now like they had always been this way, always meant to be this close.
"I love waking up like this," he said quietly, his voice barely above a murmur.
Sophia blinked, her smile deepening, touched by the sincerity in his words. She couldn't stop herself from leaning in, her lips brushing against his in a kiss that was tender but full of promise.
"You're already up so early," she teased, though there was no teasing in her tone. She had come to understand that Alexander's early risings were more out of habit than anything else. "I thought I'd be the first to wake up."
His smile softened. "I couldn't sleep long. I was watching you."
She blushed, the corners of her lips curling into a small, affectionate smile. "What a way to start a day…" She paused. "And here I thought I was supposed to be the one taking care of you."
He chuckled, the sound deep and rich in the quiet morning. "I think you've done more than enough for me already."
The moment was still, suspended in a bubble of warmth and tenderness.
"I should go back to my chambers," Sophia murmured, though she didn't make any move to leave. The quiet intimacy between them made it so easy to stay, to not think of duties or responsibilities. But she knew she couldn't afford to indulge in this peace for too long. "We both have things to do today."
His brow furrowed as if reluctant to let her go, his hand reaching out instinctively to hold hers. "Do you have to? I mean, I don't want to disturb you, but…"
She raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "What do you mean?"
"I… I don't want to keep you here if it will cause you trouble," he said, though the words didn't quite make sense even as they left his lips. "I know you have responsibilities, and…"
Sophia could hear his mind warring with itself, the doubts creeping in again.
I'm disturbing her. I'm burdening her with this.
Before he could finish, Sophia smiled warmly, cupping his cheek. "I want to stay with you, Alexander," she whispered, her voice soft but firm. "I'm not going anywhere."
The weight of his concern lightened at her words, and he nodded with a small smile, his thoughts a mix of relief and something deeper, something he had not yet fully understood.
The next few moments were peaceful, serene, as they simply rested together, holding each other in the comfort of their shared space. But soon, the demands of the day crept back, and Sophia knew it was time to leave him for just a while.
"I'll be back soon," she promised, leaning down to kiss his cheek before rising from the bed.
Alexander watched her go, his heart still full. He had no words to express what he felt. But he knew, deep down, that he had never been more at peace than when she was around.
An hour later, after a leisurely bath and a change of clothes, Sophia emerged from her chambers to join Alexander for breakfast. She found him already seated at the dining table, looking unusually eager, though his face remained as stoic as ever.
"Good morning again," she greeted, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
Alexander's eyes lit up as she entered, his gaze following her every movement. He didn't answer with words, only a smile...a smile that reached his eyes and made her heart flutter.
"Good morning, Sophia," he replied, his voice filled with a softness that wasn't often present in public.
They shared a quiet meal together, the morning passed with light conversation about trivial matters of the weather, the state of the kingdom, the usual. Yet, every glance they exchanged, every subtle touch of her hand across the table, felt laden with meaning, laden with something more.
After breakfast, they parted ways to fulfill their respective duties. Alexander retreated to his study, while Sophia attended to the affairs of the household.
Sophia spent most of her day in the East Wing, overseeing the maids and workers, checking records, and examining the household finances. As usual, there were small errors to correct, discrepancies to investigate. But today, she also found herself thinking more than usual about her relationship with Alexander. What would it be like to share every day with him? To have him near her at all times, to wake up beside him every morning?
The thought brought a warmth to her chest. She had come to realize how much she truly wanted that, to be with him, to care for him, and to help him heal. But there was still so much more to be done.
Later in the evening, as dusk settled over the kingdom, she found herself back in Alexander's chambers. Tonight, they would continue his training.
"Ready for today's session?" she asked softly, her eyes searching his.
He nodded, though there was still an edge of uncertainty in his gaze. "I'm ready. With your help, I know I can do this."
Sophia smiled. "Then let's get started."
She stood behind him as he attempted to rise from his chair, his body tense but determined. She guided his movements with gentle hands, her mind reading his thoughts with each hesitation, each flicker of doubt. Can I do this?
"You can," she said softly, the words flowing from her lips as though she were answering his very thoughts.
With Sophia's support, Alexander stood for a few moments, his legs trembling, the strain visible in his face, but he held himself upright. Five minutes passed. Five minutes of progress and hope.
As he settled back into his chair, exhaustion flooding him, Sophia couldn't help but smile. It was another small victory, but to Alexander, it was a monumental one.
Afterward, as they sat together in the quiet of the chamber, Sophia turned to him with a request that surprised him.
"Alexander," she said softly, her gaze unwavering. "I think it's time I move into your chambers permanently."
The words hung in the air for a moment, and his heart skipped. A thousand thoughts ran through his mind at once about how he longed for her to be close, how he would love nothing more than to have her by his side at all times. But his thoughts quickly turned to guilt, to the worry that she might regret it.
I shouldn't ask this of her. I'm already a burden.
Sophia caught the shift in his mind and frowned. She could feel the distance growing between them, even if it was only in his thoughts.
"You don't have to worry about me," she said gently, her voice soft with understanding. "I want this, Alexander. I'm not doing this out of obligation. I want to be with you."
He met her gaze, searching for the truth in her words. For the first time, he allowed himself to believe it.
"I'll arrange everything," he said quietly. "But I'm afraid I don't know how to make you feel comfortable enough."
Sophia smiled warmly, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "Don't worry, I'll teach you how to make me feel at home."
And with that, Alexander allowed himself to believe that perhaps, just perhaps, everything could be different now. They could build a life together, one where love and healing were at the heart of it all.