08:

  - A face that looks vulnerable -

  [That night...]

  As Itzayana sat relaxing and reading a book on her soft bed, a minimalist-designed gown landed on her lap. The elegant gown was made of soft silk, with several layers in certain areas for comfort and a minimalist back. Itzayana's eyes widened, imagining and processing the visual form of the dress more deeply, making it seem to take a long time to load again.

  Zorian's lazy voice broke the silence.

  "They say it's the latest model, I don't know anything about trends." he said irritably. His red eyes rolled upward, again taking a long time to load. It was testing her patience. Or maybe Itzayana was deliberately looking lazy and relaxed?.

  "Just try it first! I won't do anything." his red eyes stared seriously at Itzayana, who was still wide-eyed in shock. Zorian folded his arms across his chest. Impatiently, he waited for Itzayana's response.

  Although he appeared silent, giving her time to think and respond, in reality, Zorian was counting every second...

  After 5 seconds without a response, Zorian's hand firmly pulled Itzayana's arm until she stood unsteadily due to the forceful push. The owner of the brown wavy hair was still silent, her face crumpled in embarrassment.

  Zorian firmly touched both of Itzayana's shoulders, turning her to face forward. "Turn around!."

  Zorian's fingers pulled down the zipper of Itzayana's nightgown to the bottom of her spine. His hands began to move efficiently to put the silk gown on Itzayana's body, placing a new layer over the evening gown she was wearing. He tied ribbons around the back of her neck and at the bottom of her back.

  With sudden embarrassment and discomfort, Itzayana protested firmly, "This is too revealing! I'm uncomfortable!! The air is also very cold!"

  Meanwhile, Zorian took a few steps back to observe and assess the dress he had made according to her wishes.

  After a few seconds, Zorian frowned in annoyance at Itzayana's lack of confidence, "Don't you believe in me or yourself?!"

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  The blue ball's eyes widened again, her shoulders feeling the large fist perched on them. Zorian sent a warming mana through his hand. The touch of his palm on Itzayana's arms gave her a sense of comfort and security. Itzayana exhaled slowly, feeling better and relieved by the touch and mana...

  "There's warming mana, don't worry. My body is warm too, perfect for hugging."

  "...The rest is up to you."

  In a lower tone, Zorian called out, "Itzayana..." Zorian's hands moved to push Itzayana's body back, pressing her back against his chest. His hands held her for a moment before finally wrapping his arms around Itzayana's shoulders.

  Silence filled the room...

  Feeling a nose land among the scent of her hair, Itzayana lazily rolled her blue eyes. She could guess what would happen next based on her observations and the atmosphere.

  Zorian muttered, his voice lowered and filled with sensuality, "Yana..."

  Just as I thought!!!. Itzayana was annoyed.

  'His breathing sounded more stable...'

  [First attempt, with a soft tone and a firm stroke on the upper arm...]

  "Your Highness..." she called softly, [FAILED]

  Itzayana stamped one foot on the ground, annoyed and furious.

  Annoying, his body has quickly slipped into sleep mode (because of my "green" aroma he inhaled)!!. Indeed, his body is becoming more relaxed, but also heavy...!!. He's a lion, not a stuffed animal!!!.

  I don't want to fall to the floor and be crushed by this lion!!. But... How do I wake him up?!!.

  'It's so difficult when he's fallen asleep like this... His body has completely lost control...!'

  After thinking for a moment and observing his surroundings...

  "ZORIAN, WAKE UP OR I WILL HATE YOU!! I WILL NOT FORGIVE YOU FOR SLEEPING LIKE THIS!!"

  "I WILL CHOP YOU UP AND THROW YOUR BODY AWAY LATER!!!".

  [20 minutes passed without a response]

  D*mn. Wasting energy.

  [IT DIDN'T WORK EITHER!!]

  Whatever. I'm tired. Itzayana thought, her gaze wandering around the room.

  There's no way I can call the vieled force members on guard to get rid of him and move him... His position is vulnerable, and... People see him as a scary figure...

  Moreover, he is also the leader of the vieled force... I can't possibly show his vulnerable side... It could be dangerous!!.

  Reluctantly, Itzayana walked a few steps to the edge of the bed with her heavy back. Her body slowly positioned itself, and she released Zorian's arm around her neck.

  His sturdy body instantly collapsed onto the soft mattress. Hufff... Itzayana sighed deeply, the back of her hand wiping her sweaty forehead.

  "..."

  'This lion is such a hassle!!'

  Let him stay in this 90° position. My body is tired, it feels like it's about to break!!.

  As a final touch, Itzayana placed a large blanket over Zorian's body to protect him from the night breeze. Keeping him warm...

  After that, Itzayana took off the silk dress that Zorian had put on her earlier. She zipped it back up and lay down on the bed. She turned her head to the side, looking at Zorian who was fast asleep.

  'It's rare to see him this vulnerable...'

  A few weeks ago, after we arrived... We slept in separate rooms. I didn't know if he could sleep or if he was forcing himself to stay awake...

  It turns out... You also have a side that is quite adorable like this... In addition to your other sides that are confusing, annoying, and domineering.

  A sweet smile floated on Itzayana's lips. Before finally falling into the silence of the night that led to the gateway of the subconscious; that is, deep sleep... The gaze lingered on Zorian's innocent face, before her blue eyes slowly closed for 8 hours.