Taura found herself waking up in an awkward position. Her legs were curled up beside her while her head rested on the edge of the couch. Last night’s events played out in her head and she remembered that both her and Kai had fallen asleep in the small study. Keeping her head on her arms she felt something warm tickle her skin. Lifting her head she saw she slept with Kai’s face inches from her and that it was the soft puffs of air coming from his slightly parted lips that hit her skin. He was sprawled on the couch with one leg bent up while the other was outstretched over the armrest. Taura narrowed her eyes at the prince gently flicking his forehead, you took the couch.

            Ready to give him a rude awakening, Taura took a closer look to the boy and noticed his swollen eyelids. She softened and let the man be as she got up to stretch. Walking around the room, Taura noticed the small pile of letters and pictures she managed to salvage. Picking them up, she placed them on the desk and tidied up some of the loose documents when a small knock came at the door. Turning, Taura saw one of the maids standing their shyly, “The King requests your majesties presence at breakfast to discuss some matters.”

            Taura looked to the couch and then to the maid giving her a friendly response, “We’ll be there shortly, thank you.”

            The maid left shooting a quick glance at the couch seeing Kai’s leg hang off the end. I wonder what she’s thinking about. She did wonder what the maids and butlers thought whenever they saw the two of them together. Kai was always one to put up a good show for the crowd and the people in the palace were no different. He took the initiative to take her hand in the halls, kiss her cheek when they were looking…

            Taura understood his reasons and saw no reason to fight him over it. Both just accepted the small intimate interactions as a way to deal with their other issues. It brought them some comfort in a way.

            “Kai.” She shook the sleeping prince gently, calling out his name. When that didn’t work she sighed, taking hold of the pillow beside him.

            “Kai get up.” She threw the pillow down onto his body earning a grunt. She did it repeatedly until Kai swatted the pillow away. Taura took a seat beside him and watched as he slowly began to stir.

            “What time is it?” His voice scratchy, he covered his eyes with his arm.

            “I don’t know but your father wants us at breakfast.” She tugged at his arm, pulling it from his eyes while standing up. Kai slowly rose up with his eyes shut. Taura kept hold of his hand, feeling his body slowly fall back and gave him a hard tug. He quickly came off the couch and rammed into Taura with some force. She wrapped her arms around him and laughed.

            Kai had the breath knocked out of him but upon feeling Taura’s arms around him he laughed with her, “I sometimes forget how strong you are.”