CHAPTER - 177

  Upon reaching his room, Dav attempted to open the door without waking Sofia, but with her in his arms, it wasn't easy.

  He slowly turned the handle with one hand, while giving a gentle push with his head, adopting a comical expression, tongue slightly out and eyes squinting from the

  effort.

  Once inside, he closed the door with a soft kick and sighed quietly.

  He gently laid Sofia on the couch, just for a moment.

  He approached the bed and arranged the blankets, shaking them and pulling them down to make room.

  Then he returned to her, picked her up again, and carefully carried her to the bed.

  He delicately removed her heels one by one, placing them neatly beside the nightstand.

  Finally, he covered her, tucking the blankets around her shoulders.

  With a caring expression, Dav raised his right hand and gently touched her forehead with a single finger.

  From his fingertip flowed a soft golden light, warm and reassuring: his mana.

  Like an invisible caress, the warmth spread through Sofia's body, stabilising her temperature and relaxing every muscle.

  Her breathing became more peaceful.

  "Sleep well, Sofia," he murmured in a low, deep voice.

  Dav let himself fall wearily onto the couch and made himself as comfortable as possible.

  The backrest was uncomfortable, but that night it was enough.

  He turned to his side, half-closed his eyes, and within minutes, he was asleep.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  The next morning, with the first rays of sun filtering through the window, Sofia slowly opened her eyes.

  She blinked a couple of times, letting out a big yawn.

  She looked around, confused, observing the walls, the desk, the unfamiliar bed.

  A flash of panic crossed her gaze.

  She abruptly lifted the covers with both hands, her face red with embarrassment.

  However, she relaxed upon noticing she was still dressed, only without her heels.

  "Thank goodness.." she whispered softly, placing a hand over her heart.

  She slowly got out of bed, holding her heels between her fingers, and tiptoed to avoid waking anyone.

  Then she saw him. Dav, lying on the couch, was sleeping deeply.

  His breathing was slow and regular, and a lock of hair fell over his forehead.

  With an unusually calm air.

  "So.. it wasn't a dream?"

  she murmured, smiling tenderly.

  "How wonderful."

  She leaned down slowly towards him, hesitated for a moment, then placed a light kiss on his cheek and whispered:

  "Thank you."

  With silent steps, she left the room.

  A few hours later, Dav woke up, stretching noisily.

  Still half-asleep, he scratched his head and headed to the bathroom to splash his face.

  The cold water helped him wake up, though he was still yawning as he dressed with slow, automatic movements.

  He put on his uniform and shoes.

  "Coffee.. I need it," he muttered, leaving the room.

  He walked lazily to the cafeteria, hoping to find something warm to drink and maybe a croissant.

  But as he nearly passed through the door, he suddenly stopped.

  In the distance, he saw some familiar figures. His gaze became more focused.

  Dav recognised the proud bearing of King Edmund Lancaster and beside him, elegant and serene, Queen Eleanor.

  A devilish and ironic smile spread across his face, growing wider.

  He approached with a few steps, then stopped, opened his arms as if to welcome them, and shouted:

  "Old man! How are you?!"

  Edmund, with an exasperated expression, closed his eyes and turned away, ignoring him.

  Dav laughed, amused.

  "You missed me so much that you came to visit?

  This rekindles a flame inside me I didn't know I had!"

  The guards standing along the sides stifled a chuckle.

  Eleanor laughed openly, bringing a hand to her mouth.

  "You're a nuisance!

  Why don't you go back to sleep?!

  That's why I didn't want to come!"

  shouted Edmund, exasperated, turning sharply towards him.

  Dav approached Eleanor and bowed theatrically.

  "Welcome, Your Majesty Eleanor, as beautiful as ever."

  Then he turned to Edmund, still bowing, and gave him a mischievous look, pursing his lips.

  "Why not me?!"

  Edmund blurted out, jealous and irritated.

  "Because you're an old man!"

  Dav laughed, standing up with a gleam in his eyes.

  "Don't call me that!

  You know it annoys me!"

  thundered Edmund, but by now his voice was more feigned than angry.

  As they laughed, a tall man approached.

  Dav turned and smiled sincerely.

  "Stefan."

  The two shook hands firmly.

  They seemed like old friends reuniting after years, their eyes filled with esteem and brotherhood.

  The atmosphere had lightened. And so began a new day.

  END OF CHAPTER - 177