Morning arrived softly, wrapped in pale gold sunlight that slipped through the curtains and painted gentle patterns across the room. The air carried warmth, lazy and comforting, while the quiet hum of the waking world lingered somewhere beyond the windows. Draven stirred first, blinking sleep from his eyes before turning toward the body curled beside him. A small smile touched his lips instantly. Messy hair, sleepy breaths, the faint crease of the pillow against warm skin—everything about the moment felt unbearably tender. His fingers brushed lightly along Aurelian's arm, slow enough not to disturb the peace between them. Aurelian shifted closer instinctively, half-awake and seeking warmth, burying his face against Draven's chest with a quiet sigh that melted something inside Draven. No rush. No words needed. Just tangled sheets, lingering warmth, and the kind of intimacy found in soft touches and sleepy smiles. Outside, the morning continued to brighten, but inside the room, time seemed content to move slowly around them. Draven's arms wrapped tightly around Aurelian, pulling him closer to him. He didn't want this moment to end. So, he watched Aurelian sleep, the way his features relaxed and the way he leaned towards him. Later into the morning, Aurelian finally stirred. "Morning, sleepyhead", Draven greeted playfully. Aurelian smiled softly and replied, equally playful,"Morning early bird". Draven chuckled and pecks Aurelian's lips. "How are you feeling?" He asked. Aurelian stretched but winced immediately, cursing at the pain throbbing between his legs. His face flushed as he remembers the events of last night that led to it. Draven on the other hand looks concerned at Aurelian's wince. "Are you okay?" He asked, but somehow his question only made Aurelian blush more furiously. "Shut up, it's all your fault, I asked you to go easy", Aurelian mumbles. Draven smirked at Aurelian's words, suddenly looking so proud of himself. "Oh but I remember someone couldn't stop begging for more", Draven teases. Aurelian's ears burned and he smacked Draven's arm lightly,"you..." and as if remembering a moment when he pleaded, Aurelian groaned and falls back into bed, burying his face in the pillow. Draven laughed and gently turned Aurelian to face him,"hey, don't hide from me". Aurelian saw the sincerity in Draven's eyes and bit his lip nervously,"what does this mean for us, especially after what happened yesterday?" He asked. Draven brush a strand of hair off Aurelian's face, his expression unreadable for a while before he smiles. "Well.. I mean we're married already, so...", he replies and attacks Aurelian with tickles. Aurelian bursts into uncontrollable giggles. His laughter filling the chambers,"stop..please...", he manages between laughter. When Draven finally stops, Aurelian playfully scolds him still wheezing,"you're not supposed to do that!". Draven's eyes soften,"about your earlier question on our relationship, just know I will always be there for you whenever, wherever". They settle into a comfortable silence where Draven stares at his beloved like something he adores more than his own life while Aurelian was flustered from the intensity of Draven's gaze.
After a while, the sun was climbing higher into the sky, making it clear noon was close, Draven and Aurelian hadn't left their room since waking up. They had bathed and changed into fresh clothes even though movements for Aurelian was a bit slow because he was limping. Draven had also requested Aurelian's breakfast to be brought in. The royal physician came in to check on Draven and for any improvements. "So far, your highness have been reacting positively to the medicines but it might take a while for the improvement to show physically", he reports. Aurelian nods slightly, seated beside Draven. "And it seems his highness had done something that requires physical strength...", the oblivious physician says. Aurelian quickly looks away, his cheeks tinged pink. The royal physician notices Aurelian's flustered reaction and realises. "Oh...well, I'd advise you...take it easy", he concluded awkwardly and gathers his things leaving hurriedly. Aurelian looked at Draven still a bit flustered,"why didn't you say anything?" He questioned. Draven raised an eyebrow then smirked,"what was I supposed to say? Sorry physician I had some intimacy with my beloved?" He teases. Aurelian gasps audibly and turn away to avoid Draven seeing his reaction because he knows that will only warrant more teasing. Draven stands up and straighten his clothes then extend his hand out to Aurelian, "Come on, let's go, we have some court issues to attend to". Aurelian accepted his hand and they both walked hand in hand to the court room, facing whatever awaits them head on. Together.