Despite our love being in a dream, as I woke the next morning I could still feel the light brushing of his fingers against my skin. Even though they occur in our minds, they were real to us. Every touch, every conversation, every sensation that we felt in them was just as real as it was in reality. They were so real to the point where we both would wake up yearning for more. Now, I would say this was about the only downside to this blessing. Beyond the empty feeling that we may get after a night like that, I was grateful that we have the pleasure of experiencing life in a whole new light.

A smile fell on my face as the after effects of our intimacy was affecting him too. At least I wasn’t suffering through this alone.

Shush. Théo grumbled. Why he was embarrassed by this I had no idea. I knew he got this way after each dream. It’s not an embarrassment. It’s just the more I think about it, the more I will…

Yeah, I knew what he was referring to too. But you know you want to think about it. I couldn’t help but tease him. You know you want to. I flashed him bits of our shared dream.

He let out a sigh, Maria, please stop. He begged as I could tell he was trying really hard to get out of bed and get ready for the day. Though, I still had to get him back for throwing me in the spring. I flashed him a few more images from our intimacy. Yeah, this probably was not the best solution for revenge but if it gets the job done, no harm right?

The more I flashed him, the more I could sense his ability to ignore such images. Damn you. His swear, caused me to laugh. Oh, the joy of revenge.

No self-control? I teased as he pleasured himself. For me, I had a bit more control and managed to subdue the need for self pleasure.

This one is your fault. He responded to me. Which caused me to laugh more. I have plenty of self control otherwise.

Sure you do dear. I could always…

No!

That’s what I thought.

For me, I was doing alright. Until I wanted to get a peek of him getting ready in the morning. Just a peek.

Maria was a tease but I loved her. How could I not? After a bit of self…pleasure, I needed to shower and get ready for the day. I snapped my fingers to turn the magical lights on in my bed chambers and walked over to the shower.

Just like the lights, the water system here was infused by magic. This was done by a few water elementals that lived in the ocean and nearby rivers. They utilized their unique spell system to aid in the water flow to the shower spouts. Along with aiding in the flow of the water, they often controlled the temperatures of the water. They did this by getting a general idea of how those that used this system liked their water and would often provide the correct temperature.

I sensed her watching me as soon as I flipped the switch for the water. Where is your self control now? I teased.

Like I said Maria, just a peek.

I could feel her watch me for a minute longer before pulling out of my vision. Maybe she does have more self-control than I do.

Despite wanting more, I needed to get ready for the day. See you at breakfast, Theo?

Definitely, Maria.

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I got myself up after about a minute of calming my own body and went to my wardrobe. Color of dress today?

Purple.

Purple was one of his top favorite colors of fabrics on me next to blues and greens. The dress I chose today was a well-fitted dress that hugged my body. I pulled out a pair of black boots to go with the dress as I had planned to adventure outside the castle gates today, whether it be with or without a guard.

I needed to try to get my life back to normal and that meant visiting the shelters. It was around this time of year that me and my parents would visit the children’s homes that our family has built over the years. We often read to them and gave a donation to the home after each visit. I knew it was going to be tough to visit the homes without my parents but I know they would want me to carry on the legacy.

I slipped on my black belt and hooked my bag of holding to it and left my room. As I walked down the staircase I could sense that Théo was already in the kitchen.

I couldn’t help but laugh as I heard bits of Théo and Roland’s conversation as I got closer to the kitchen.

“You want your bacon to be that crispy?” Roland sounded surprised at Théo’s request. Though he should have seen that one coming. Théo may be a dragon but he likes his meat well done. He has tried the raw meat diet before and he refuses to go back.

“Yes, more crunch.” Théo confirmed.

“Maybe I need to have you show me how crispy you want your bacon.”

I walked into the kitchen at this point and I couldn’t help but smile as Roland handed Théo the uncooked bacon, a skillet, and a spatula. “You do it.”

“If you insist.” Théo grabbed the material from Roland and turned on the stove that was run by magic. As it heated he placed the skillet on it and began to palace the bacon in the skillet.

“Well, this is charming.” I said as I stood in the archway of the kitchen.

“There you are my dear.” Théo glanced over at me and then returned his focus back to his bacon.

I moved further into the kitchen and helped Roland set the table. I placed all three plates perfectly this time. “Good.” Roland said approvingly how I set the table. “I still don’t get why you guys insist on me eating with you.” Roland said as he looked at the third placemat on the table.

“Because you are family.”

“She’s right Roland.”

A smile fell on Roland’s face. I knew some just saw him as staff but Roland has been around for ages and he was family to us.

However, his smile faded quickly when the smell of burning bacon filled the air. “Théo? I believe you are burning that.” He was quick to move over to the stove and glanced in the skillet. “Consider what you cook is yours.”

He walked to where he stored the sweets that he had prepared and sat them down on the table. He then pulled out a tray of eggs and a tray of bacon and placed them in the under compartment of the stove to cook.

As those two cooked, I took a seat at the table and began to fill my plate up with sweets. A couple more minutes passed and the kitchen half filled with smoke, Théo was finally done cooking his bacon. I watched him plate his food and then wave his hand and use the spell to cool the bacon.

Théo took his seat across from me and all that could be heard was a loud crunch. “Yeah, you burned that.” Roland said as he checked on the remainder of the food.

“It’s not burnt. It’s perfection.”

Roland rolled his eyes, “so what is on the agenda today?”

“I…I am going to visit a couple of the children’s homes today in the noble district.” I said softly.

“Are you sure you are up for that right now?” Théoden questioned me as he sensed my mood shift.

“Yes. We used to do this every year. It’s time to get back to normal on some things.”

Théoden nodded in approval. “You will do great.”

“I hope so.”

I have faith that you will.

Thank you dear.

“What about you captain?” Roland asked Théo.

“Guard duty for me.”

“Do you ever get tired of guard duty?”

“One would think, but no. Each day is different and comes with unique sets of challenges.”

After that, our breakfast conversation was minimal. We ate a good portion of what Roland cooked in the oven and then helped him tidy up the kitchen a bit before heading out.

Théo and I both walked outside the gates together. Before we parted ways he looked down at me and said, “be careful. I’ll be checking in but I still have to manage rounds.”

I felt his urge to kiss me but we dared not show that sort of affection in public. I love you. He said through the bond as he walked in the direction of his office.

I love you too. Be safe. I told Théoden as I walked in the direction of the first children's home.