Javier stirred awake, finding himself in an all-too-familiar predicament—his mother, Lady Francesca, hugging him tightly in her sleep.
Her hair spilled over the pillows, her serene beauty unmarred by the stern expression she'd worn the night before. Javier's eyes darted nervously as he recalled recent events.
"Of all the ways to wake up..." he muttered under his breath, careful not to disturb her.
Unfortunately, Lady Francesca's grip was unyielding, her arms wrapped around him like a vice. As he tried to wriggle free, she stirred, her eyes opening with a calm yet piercing gaze.
"Good morning, honey bun," she said sweetly, though her tone carried the weight of unspoken scolding.
"M-Mother... good morning," Javier stammered, his confidence wilting under her gaze.
She sat up gracefully, tousling his hair affectionately before tightening her grip just enough to make him wince. "Now, my dear son, do you remember what we discussed last night?"
