Hmm

It was a warm and fluffy awakening.

In Rishes slumber, she felt like she dreamed about her time in Garkhain.

It was a dream about the events that happened just days ago, like talking with Arnold on the balcony of the detached palace and going to the soiree with him.

For Rishe, it had been a long time since she had had a dream that was not her past lives.

It was a shame that she had to get up, so she rubbed her forehead against something close at hand. She wasnt clear what it was, but it was quite a good fit.

Something warm was wrapped around her. And the sound of a beating heart reassured her.

Her eyes drooped, and she felt like dozing off, but that something was heaving on her body.

?

Last nights lethargy immediately vanished.

It didnt seem an after-effect of the poisoning. She stirred in wonder and slowly opened her eyes as she looked up.

And then took a load of everything.

Arnold was hugging her in his sleep in the bed.

!?

At that moment, she barely restrained herself from screaming.

Nuh-uh

They were undoubtedly facing each other, wrapped in the quilt. Arnold was sleeping with Rishes head cradled in his arms.

Arnolds mouth looked buried around Rishes bangs.

How did I end up on the same bed as His Highness?

Arnold was the only one using a pillow while Rishe turned his arm into one. She panicked when she registered that, but she was too stumped to move.

Then she recalled how it all started.

Its all my fault for fretting and being whiny!!

Rishe immediately blanched, upon remembering what had happened last night.

I told him to go back to his room and sleep, but he said, I cant leave you alone, Im going to stay with you for the night. Then I said something like, If you must insist on staying here, please at least sleep in bed instead of staying up all night

Shed cried her eyes out last night that her thoughts got muddled and said some crazy things.

Arnold was rendered speechless at that time, but he reluctantly nodded and said, Okay, because Rishe looked on the verge of tears once more.

Nevertheless, her deeds were unconscionable.

I was an alchemist, but what have I done!!I should have asked him to return to his room at all costs and slept alone

He was too contrite and followed Rishes lead.

Rishe quickly disentangled herself, looked up at Arnold, and lowered her eyes.

I hope he isnt too uncomfortable from being my pillow

Arnold would have normally awakened when Rishe moved.

However, his eyes remained shut.

Rishe didnt know if it was because he attended to her or the poison affected him, but she hoped this sleep has helped him recover a little.

She gazed at Arnolds sleeping face, praying for such a thing.

He looks a little younger when hes asleep.

Arnold had unbuttoned the top two buttons of his white shirt.

Through his loose collar, she could see his usually hidden collarbone, Adams apple, and neck.

What Rishe couldnt help noticing were the countless scars on his neck.

He said that his mother hated him more than anyone else.

Could his mother be the culprit behind these scars?

She felt like touching him, but she couldnt do anything unscrupulous without permission.

Thus, as she stared blankly, Arnolds hand moved as if searching for something.

After that, he gently opened his eyes.

His blue eyes that werent yet fully awake were clear in the morning sun through the window. She would have admired them in normal times, but it was inappropriate under the circumstances.

Good morning

Arnold blinked slowly.

He then reached out to Rishe and brushed her coral bangs.

He clasped both of her cheeks, closed his eyes, and rubbed their foreheads together.

He was probably checking her for fever.

Despite knowing that, she was more nervous than necessary because of the languidness peculiar to waking up that Arnold wore.

Your Highness, um

How are you feeling?