When I woke up the next day, the sky was clear again . The peaceful breeze and birds’ chirps came through the window, whisking the clear scent of gra.s.s and flowers to me . I opened my eyes . Long blonde hair brushed my cheeks . Mommy Vyvyan was deep asleep with me in her arms .

Mom seldom woke after me . Usually, Mommy Vyvyan would be awake and looking at me . Though it was quite frightening to have somebody looking at you with such pa.s.sion upon waking every morning, I eventually considered it par for the course . I was used to it . That was why I was barely surprised .

Mom suddenly opened her eyes . Her smile was one of happiness growing, much as a spring flower opens: “Good morning, Son . ”

“Good morning, Mom . ”

Mom was her usual self . That was the morning that was supposed to greet me in the elven lands .

Mom ran her hand down the side of my head then pulled me in for a hug . In a happy tone, she expressed, “This is the type of morning that I want . It’s lonely without my son . It’s lonely at night and lonely when waking up . I forget what I’m supposed to do when I wake up . Seeing the empty ceiling and lonely surrounding feels as though I’m the only person left in the world…”

I comforted Mom, reciprocating her hug: “That won’t happen Mom . That won’t happen . I’ll always be by your side . Always . ”

Mommy Vyvyan sat up: “You’re right, Son . You’re by my side at the moment . Needless to say, it would be even better if you could always be by my side . Get up, Son . Go see Vera and Nona, and then it’s time for breakfast . It’s been a long time since you’ve had Mommy’s breakfast, hasn’t it? Mommy will ensure you have your fill this time… Sadly, our time alone together has ended… Lucia is coming back today . To be honest, Mommy doesn’t really want to have her come back . ”

I sat up . I watched Mom grab socks by the side . She sat on the bed and stretched out her long and ample legs and wore on her socks . The tight socks highlighted her magnificent legs’ contour . The early morning sun illuminated her legs . She pulled up her socks bit by bit with her slender fingers . Finally, she hooked her finger on the edge of the sock and tugged it up, which left a perfect ditch on her thighs .

I gently hugged Mom from behind . I rested my head on her shoulder and gently placed my finger on her thigh . I ran my finger along the smooth sock and her warm skin . I gently bit Mom’s ear and pressed my weight onto her from behind .

The corners of Mom’s mouth tugged up . She pressed her hand on my hand that was on her thigh . She looked over her shoulder in a sensual manner . Her blue eyes seemingly gleamed with gentleness comparable to water: “Son, it’s not wise to enjoy flirting so much . Additionally, aren’t you supposed to be feeling tired? Doesn’t that mean what you’re doing is a bit too much? Mommy’s afraid you won’t be able to brush it off if you arouse Mommy . ”

I whispered, “Mom, just let me stay here . Please just let me rest on you for a bit, Mom… It’s been so long… since you’ve spoilt me…”

It had been so long since I had been able to rest on somebody’s shoulder in peace, wake up feeling so relaxed, sleep without any qualms and concerns and so long since I had been able to be affectionate in the morning .

The North was my territory . I, therefore, had to wake earlier than everyone else . I had countless things to worry about . I had to protect my family and my land . Respect everybody around me . Listen to everyone’s suggestions, lead, fulfil the shoes of King and fill the roles of a husband and father to an exemplary level . When I was by Mom’s side, however, I didn’t need to think about anything .

At Duargana, I was just Mommy Vyvyan’s son and an ordinary Prince . I could act spoilt whenever I pleased and run away whenever I pleased because Mom would help me sort out all my problems . Yesterday was a prime example . I didn’t need to do anything . I could leisurely stroll around the imperial palace all day . n.o.body disturbed me, and I didn’t have any work . I thought I’d feel a little anxious, but I discovered that it wasn’t the case at all . All I felt was a sense of relief . Resting on Mom was another example . I could put aside all responsibilities and desires to just rest on Mom’s shoulder and have her spoil me .

Mom gave me a light kiss on my lips . I slowly responded . Mom tightly held my hand . She held it in a tender manner and refused to let go . Her kiss was warm as sunlight and sweet as honey . We separated a while later . Mom pinched my face playfully and then rose to her feet: “All right, all right now, Son . You can act spoilt later on . Mommy needs to go and prepare breakfast . Mommy knows you’re tired, so you don’t need to do anything or think about anything here . Mommy will protect you and take care of you . ”

“Thanks, Mom . ”

It had been a long time since Mom spoiled me . It had been a long time since I had the opportunity to relish being lazy . As Mom said, I didn’t need to do anything or think about anything in the elven lands . I just needed to entrust everything to Mom . She had never let me down .

Mom exited the room . I, too, left shortly after to go to my daughters’ room . The girls weren’t awake yet .   They weren’t used to not having their mom with them for the first night . The two of them lied in their cradle in a casual pose similar to a frog, thereby revealing their chubby thighs and arms . I pulled their blanket over them again then touched their chubby, tiny hands .

I sat down to one side and watched my girls sound asleep . I didn’t do anything, yet could feel the bliss of peace . I was content just being able to watch my girls .

Lucia gently opened the door . I stood up and peered over in the direction of the door . Lucia poked her small head in . She smiled when she saw me then came over with quick, yet silent, steps and threw herself into my arms . She snuggled up on my chest . In a tender voice, she said, “I’m Back, Your Highness, I’m back . Did you miss me?”

“Didn’t I tell you that I would?”

“That’s why I came back sooner . It seems I made it in time for breakfast . Ah, my Vera, my Nona, did you hear Mommy’s voice? Let Mommy hug you… Oh, Vera… Nona…”

The kids woke up as soon as Lucia came in . They were excited to see their mom . Lucia cheerfully hugged her girls, and they kissed her . Lucia carried her girls with her back to me . She softly laughed: “Your Highness, can you help me undo my tie?”

“Oh, sure . ”

Everything was the same as yesterday… .