The night fell over the capital like a silent mantle. The streets were still stirred by rumors and celebrations, but inside the castle everything was calm, as if the walls themselves had decided to give them a moment's respite.
In the new room they now shared, Blair brushed her hair in front of the mirror. Each stroke was slow, distracted, as if she were trying to chase away the images of Kael, of his hands, of the shadow she still felt hunting her in dreams. The truth was she kept having nightmares, and though she told herself she had to be strong, the only thing that truly gave her peace was knowing Asori was close.
When she turned, she found him sitting at the edge of the bed. He was stiff, hands resting on his knees, wearing the look of someone facing a beast more dangerous than any Megalo: spending the night with the girl he loved, without excuses or pretexts.
—Stop looking at me like I'm going to devour you —said Blair, with a playful smile.
—I'm not… —Asori cleared his throat—. It's just that I still don't get it… are you sure you want this? I mean, now that there's no tournament, no wounds, no… no Sweet Kiss to use as an excuse.
Blair walked toward him, setting the brush down on the table. The sound of her steps filled the silence of the room. She sat beside him and looked at him with sincerity.
—Precisely because of that, Asori. Before we shared a bed because it was necessary: because you were hurt, because we pretended to be a couple in the capital, because I was scared of leaving you alone. But now… I do it because I want to.
Asori's heart lurched. Blair lowered her gaze, blushing, and whispered:—I want you here when I wake from my nightmares. I want it to be you who holds me until they fade. And… because I like sleeping with you close.
Asori covered his face with one hand, utterly flustered.—You really know how to make me nervous…
Blair chuckled softly and, as if testing the strength of her newfound courage, pushed him with both hands. Asori fell back onto the bed with a grunt. Without thinking, Blair ended up on top of him, hands braced on either side of his chest.
Their eyes met, far too close. The air grew heavy, and for an instant no one said a word.
Then Blair, remembering his words in the hallway, raised an eyebrow and smiled mischievously.—So? Now you want me to bite you??
Color flooded Asori's face; he barely managed to open his mouth. He swallowed hard, raising a trembling hand to brush her chin, as if accepting the challenge.—Careful, princess… I might take that seriously.
The silence stretched another beat. Blair felt heat rush through her whole body, and suddenly realized the position she was in. She shot upright, blushing to her ears.—E-enough… it was just a joke.
Asori let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck as he sat up.—Right… just a joke.
Both avoided each other's eyes for a few seconds, until Blair, still flushed, leaned her forehead against his shoulder and murmured:—Still… thank you for staying with me. You don't know how much it means.
Asori tilted a clumsy but genuine smile. He slipped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer.—Then promise me something. When you have those nightmares again… don't face them alone. Let me be the one to chase them away.
Blair nodded silently, closing her eyes, allowing herself—perhaps for the first time in a long while—to feel truly protected.
Minutes passed in silence, broken only by the occasional creak of wood and the howl of the wind outside. Finally, Blair spoke:
—Do you know what's the strangest thing? —she asked quietly.
—What?
—That I don't feel the same weight as before. During the tournament, every time I lay down beside you, I did it afraid you wouldn't wake up the next day. Now… now I know you're here. And even though I still fear what's coming, at least I know I'm not alone.
Asori glanced at her sideways.—I felt that too. I always went to sleep wondering what would come next, if the next fight would be the last. But now… —he smiled shyly— now I fall asleep thinking about what jokes I'll pull on you tomorrow.
Blair let out a giggle, then looked at him tenderly.—You're a fool… but a fool I love.
The word rang in the air, clear and unwavering. Asori stayed silent for a few seconds, processing the weight of those letters. Finally, he gently squeezed Blair's hand.
—I love you too, Blair.
They lay down beneath the sheets. Blair, as had already become habit, sought Asori's warmth and curled into his arms. She listened to the steady rhythm of his heart, a drum that soothed her more than any guard or wall.
Asori, on the other hand, was stiff, unsure of how to place his arms.—Is this okay? —he asked awkwardly.
Blair smiled against his chest.—Perfect.
There was a long silence, then she added:
—You know what this means, right?
—What?
—That it's no longer just about sleeping. If we share a room, we share part of our life. I want it to be you who wakes me every morning, and who tucks me in every night.
Asori swallowed. He didn't know what to answer, so he just tightened his embrace a little more.
Blair, still nestled against him, suddenly let out a soft laugh.
—Do you remember when I met you in the forest? I thought you were the most insolent, sarcastic, and annoying boy I'd ever seen.
—Hey! —Asori protested.
—And look at you now, blushing because a princess sleeps beside you.
—Well… I'm still insolent, aren't I?
Blair lifted her head to meet his eyes.—Yes… but now you're my insolent.
The answer was so unexpected that Asori went silent, completely red. Blair nestled back down, savoring the feeling of having won that small battle.
After midnight, Blair began to stir restlessly. She murmured in her sleep, as if reliving the moment with Kael. Her breathing quickened and a tear slid down her cheek.
Asori, awakened by the movement, gently shook her.—Blair, wake up. It's me.
She opened her eyes suddenly, heart racing. It took her a few seconds to realize where she was. Then she clung tightly to Asori, burying her face in his chest.
—Don't leave me… —she whispered, voice broken.
—Never —he answered, stroking her back—. I'm here.
Blair stayed like that for several minutes until the trembling in her hands subsided. Finally, she sighed and murmured:—That's why I want us to share a room. I don't want my memories to win.
Asori nodded in silence. He understood more than she thought.
When she finally calmed, Blair lifted her face. Her eyes still glistened with tears, but on her features there was a newfound determination.
—Asori… can I ask you one more thing?
—Anything.
She hesitated before speaking.
—I want you to let me get used to you. To let you be the one who heals this fear. I'm not asking for more than you can give… just stay.
Asori stroked her hair softly.—I will. Always.
And so they remained, wrapped in each other's warmth, with no need for more words.
Dawn came slowly, painting the room in shades of gold. Blair opened her eyes first and found Asori still asleep, hair tousled, wearing a calm expression he rarely showed while awake.
She watched him for a while, with a mix of tenderness and shyness. Then, on impulse, she brushed her lips lightly against his cheek.
—Good morning, Asori —she whispered.
The boy cracked one eye open and, seeing her smile, replied in a sleepy voice:—Good morning, Blair.
For the first time in a long while, neither felt any rush to get up. The world could wait a little longer.