Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

Perhaps I had slept just a little.

My disheveled hair was still slightly damp with sweat. My whole body was heavy and sluggish from a sweet numbness.

I finally managed to open my heavy eyelids, and in front of me was Lord Cyrus’s face. He seemed to be in a deep sleep. His eyes were tightly shut, hiding his sapphire-like gems.

Should I wake him up...? A mischievous impulse arose.

I lifted my arm, thinking maybe I’d pinch his cheek, but it felt heavy — then I realized, Lord Cyrus’s arm was resting on my shoulder. Another arm was beneath my head.

I had been sleeping wrapped up in Lord Cyrus’s embrace.

I bowed my head, and just by doing that, my nose buried into Lord Cyrus’s chest. As expected, I pressed my lips to his still moist skin, tracing the protruding collarbone lightly with my tongue and even nipping softly with my front teeth.

Then I tried to get up. I slipped under his arm to get out of the sheets but stumbled. Surprised, I turned around to see Lord Cyrus firmly holding the back of my hair.

“Ouch...”

At my murmur, Lord Cyrus immediately let go. I thought he’d woken up, but his eyelids stayed closed. Still asleep, his hand waved in the air. He had held me all night... and just moments ago, yet now he was searching for me.

I grasped that hand, threading my fingers through his. I squeezed tightly. He let out a deep breath and sank back into a deep sleep.

“Hehe...”

Unconsciously, I let out a laugh. Using my free hand, I gently stroked his head, smoothing back his bangs, admiring the finely crafted features of his exposed face.

Lord Cyrus was an incredibly handsome man. His features were sharply chiseled, each one dignified. Yet here and there, they had a delicate, almost feminine softness.

His tanned skin was smooth, and his cheeks, surprisingly soft to the touch despite their lean appearance. I traced his nose bridge with my nail, and he twitched his eyelids as if tickled. His long eyelashes fluttered, casting shadows.

“Mmm...”

A sweet voice tickled my nose.

A beautiful person. A wonderful person. A beloved person.

Holding my hand, he showed no sign of waking.

…Such a cute person...

Knock knock. The door was gently knocked. The small sound and voice were almost meant to be unnoticed.

“Is there anything you need?”

It was Mio’s voice.

After a brief hesitation, I wrapped myself in the sheets and beckoned Mio in.

She entered quietly, carrying a water pitcher with floating lemon slices, a glass, and my room clothes.

How thoughtful. I tried to leave the bed, but Lord Cyrus’s hand wouldn’t let go. It gripped mine firmly, almost unbelievable considering he was asleep.

I wiggled and shook my hand. No release.

…What should I do? As I fretted, Mio sighed.

“Shall I help you?”

“No need to go that far! There, it’s off!”

“Oh, I see,” Mio replied and immediately stepped back. I breathed a sigh of relief.

Mio, expressionless as always, handed me the clothes and water with no fuss.

“What time is it now?”

“Just before dawn, I believe. It would be best to sleep a little longer.”

“…I want to wash off the sweat. Is it possible to bathe?”

“Tunic has prepared hot water so you can bathe whenever you like.”

I smiled wryly. Mio must have known this would happen all along.

While I got out of the sheets and dressed, Mio faced away. As a maid, she must have seen me naked many times, but still... this kind of... aftercare was different.

“How was it?”

Suddenly asked, I was startled. Steaming from my head, I answered.

“…He was gentle with me…”

“…Not about that.”

“Huh? Ah!”

I let out an inaudible scream, buried my head in the sheets — and was startled again by Lord Cyrus’s skin there — then hurriedly pulled away. Mio still faced away.

“Apologies, my question was poorly phrased. I wanted to ask about your current feelings and what you plan to do moving forward.”

“Y-yes. Um... Sorry for the fuss, Mio, but can I still stay here in the castle?”

“If that is the decision you both have made, I have nothing to add.”