Chapter 3: A Bed Divided

The room was silent, save for the crackle of the fire.

Kael sat rigidly in the armchair by the window, arms crossed over his chest, eyes locked on the moonlight beyond. He refused to look at the bed.

Behind him, Ren stretched lazily on the edge of the large bed, robe slipping slightly off one shoulder. His golden hair glinted in the firelight as he propped himself up on one elbow, watching Kael with a slow, amused smile.

“You know, Kael,” Ren drawled softly, “you’re making this much more awkward than it needs to be.”

Kael didn’t turn. “Go to sleep, Ren.”

Ren’s grin widened. “Oh, I will. Eventually.”

A beat of silence.

“…You can have the bed,” Kael muttered tightly. “I’ll take the chair.”

Ren let out a low laugh. “Oh no, no. I insist — we share. After all, we are married now.”

Kael’s fists clenched on his arms. He could feel the heat rising at the back of his neck.

He’s doing this on purpose.

“You’re awfully tense for a man who’s supposed to be in charge,” Ren added lightly, his voice smooth, just a little teasing.

Kael finally turned, sharp eyes narrowing. “Watch your mouth.”

Ren’s gaze flickered, something sharp and knowing in his green eyes. “Oh, I am. Watching you, that is.” He yawned softly, stretching out on the bed like a satisfied cat. “Relax, Kael. I’m too tired to ruin your precious honor tonight.”

Kael ground his teeth but said nothing.

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Later That Night

The fire had burned low, casting the room into shadow.

Kael still sat stiffly in the chair, arms crossed, eyes half-closed but refusing to sleep. On the bed, Ren had long since drifted off, his breathing slow and steady.

Kael exhaled quietly, finally letting himself look.

Ren lay on his side, blond hair spilling over the pillow, his face relaxed and peaceful in sleep.

Infuriating, Kael thought. Annoying. Dangerous.

And yet…

Something tugged uncomfortably at his chest.

Kael ran a hand through his hair, closing his eyes. Get a hold of yourself. This is just politics. Just survival.

He leaned back in the chair, exhaustion slowly creeping over him.

Tomorrow, the games would begin again. But for tonight, he let himself rest — still facing the window, still stubborn, but no longer entirely unaware of the quiet pull of the man sleeping behind him.

Once Kael’s breathing evened out, soft and deep in the chair, Ren cracked one eye open. He stretched slowly, a sly smile curving his lips. Quiet as a cat, he slipped from the bed, padded across the room, and crouched beside the sleeping prince.

“So sure you’re the one in control, hm?” Ren murmured softly, brushing Kael’s dark hair back from his brow. Without a sound, he slid an arm around Kael’s shoulders, carefully lifting and guiding him toward the bed.

Kael murmured faintly in his sleep but didn’t wake.

Ren settled him gently onto the mattress, pulling the heavy blankets up over both of them. Then, with a small, satisfied smile, Ren lay back on his side, watching Kael for a long moment.

“Good night, husband,” he whispered, voice filled with quiet amusement.

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End of Chapter 3

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