I head to the kitchen, trying to regain my composure as I dish out the dinner I had prepared earlier. Sneaking glances at her from the corner of my eye, I can't help but notice Nikolai's flaming face. It's a bit comical, seeing the usually composed and put-together one of us all so unnerved and embarrassed.
Dinner passes by in a whirlwind of laughter and conversation. I take pride in the look of enjoyment on their faces as they savor the meal. Glancing at her, I can't help but feel my heart flutter at the sight of her eyes sparkling with laughter, her curly hair bouncing with each movement.
Suddenly, she looks directly at me, and I feel like I'm caught off guard. Excusing myself under the guise of clearing the dishes, I retreat to the kitchen to calm myself down. My heart is beating at a thousand times per second, and I need a moment alone to collect my thoughts.
*
Nikolai has disappeared off somewhere. Valendor, on the other hand, is pretending to be overly interested in doing the dishes, a slight smile tugging at his lips as he tries to avoid any awkward glances.
My attention shifts to the shirtless Haroun, who's awkwardly seated on a chair in the living area. He's like a cat, I think to myself, observing his black hair as he looks down, seemingly lost in thought.
I crawl over to Haroun and gently slide into his arms, resting my head against his chest. The sound of his steady heartbeat is oddly comforting, and I can't help but feel a sense of peace settle over me. This is the life, I think to myself, grateful for this simple comfort after spending so long with that old man and in temples and monasteries.
I focus on the rise and fall of his chest, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. Haroun's chest is surprisingly huge and comfortable, and I find myself drifting off to sleep to the a little too fast beat of his heart. As I doze off, I can't help but wonder why I feel so utterly exhausted, but for now, I let myself sink into the blissful embrace of sleep.
*
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 wonder, feeling 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.
As I lay there, trying to calm my racing thoughts, I hear soft whispers and snickering. I look up to find Nikolai and Valendor exchanging amused glances, likely over my current predicament. I can't help but feel a pang of self-consciousness, but deep down, I wouldn't change this moment for anything in the world.
Closing my eyes for a moment, I focus on the feeling of her in my arms, her breathing steady and calm. Gradually, my heart rate begins to slow, the nervousness easing into a sense of contentment.
After what feels like an unknown amount of time, I open my eyes to find a familiar ceiling above me. Glancing to my left, I see Valendor and Nikolai still asleep, their arms wrapped around each other in a peaceful embrace.
I can't help but feel a twinge of skepticism and resistance to touch, a lingering effect from growing up in an underground fighting arena, a year ago when 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 had tried to mediate, it worked I guess, but I feel like they are closer to each other than they are to me. It's partly my fault, I know, but Valendor hasn't reached out to me since then either. Letting out a sigh, I decide to gently pull the princess closer into my arms from her position snuggled at my right, wanting to feel her warmth and presence just a little bit more.
*
I wake up feeling warm and slightly suffocated, a source of heat pressing against me. Blinking my eyes open slowly, I find the room bathed in soft morning light, casting a gentle glow over everything.
Looking down, I discover Haroun's heavy arm wrapped around me, his warmth seeping 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, and I can't help but smile at the adorable sight before me.
Nikolai is using Valendor's left arm as an arm pillow, his head resting comfortably against it. Valendor, in turn, has his arm wrapped securely around Nikolai's waist, their bodies molded together in a way that tugs at my heartstrings. Argh so cute.
Feeling a sudden urge to join in on the cuddly scene, 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, determined to make this moment count. I've always wanted to be in a cuddle sandwich after all.
With a mix of excitement and nervousness, I maneuver myself between their entwined limbs, finally settling in between them. Almost immediately, I feel their arms wrap around me from opposite sides, pulling me close.
I can't help but let out a small gasp of surprise, feeling a rush of warmth and affection wash over me. It's like being wrapped in a cozy cocoon, and I find myself relaxing 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, and I can't imagine a more perfect way to start the day.