Athena’s chest tightened. Even in his dreams, he was haunted by responsibilities and fears. She placed a calming hand on his shoulder, hoping to ease whatever turmoil he was reliving.
"You’re safe," she said softly, as if her words could reach him through the haze of his subconscious.
Minutes turned into an hour, and despite her exhaustion, Athena couldn’t bring herself to leave his side. She eventually reclined next to him, careful not to disturb his rest.
Marriage tied us together... As the first rays of dawn began to peek through the curtains, Athena’s eyes grew heavy.
She fell asleep beside him, her mind filled with questions and her heart tethered to the man who, for all his strength, seed to need her more than he’d ever admit.
When she woke again, the morning light was spilling across the room. I can’t even rember what ti I fell asleep.
Mors was sitting at the edge of the bed, his back to her, the earlier vulnerability hidden beneath his usual stoic deanor.
"You’re awake," she said groggily, sitting up. Did he sit the whole ti there?
He turned slightly, his eyes eting hers. They were softer now, though still guarded. "I didn’t an to wake you."
"You didn’t," she replied, studying him. "How are you feeling?"
Mors ran a hand through his hair, his expression unreadable. "Better," he said simply.
Athena wanted to press him, to ask about the previous night, but sothing in his tone warned her not to. Instead, she nodded and swung her legs over the side of the bed.
"Good," she said lightly. "Because I don’t think either of us can afford to be anything less than ready for whatever cos next."
Mors gave her a faint smile, the kind that didn’t quite reach his eyes but felt genuine enough. "You’re right, as always."
Athena studied him for a mont longer before standing. Whatever secrets he was keeping, she knew he’d reveal them when he was ready.
Until then, she would stay by his side, watching, waiting, and ready for the battles they’d undoubtedly face together. I just hope there won’t be a ti when we beco... enemies.
The breakfast table was set with a simple yet elegant spread of food, freshly baked bread, fruit preserves, eggs, and a pot of steaming tea. It still doesn’t suit my taste.
Athena sat across from Mors, who looked unusually relaxed this morning. The stark contrast to his usual stoic deanor caught her off guard.
Mors broke the silence as he poured himself a cup of tea. "So, what’s on your schedule now that the variety show is over?"
Athena took a bite of bread and chewed thoughtfully before answering. "Nothing pressing. I’ve been given a break for a while."
"Hmm."
"The producers said I deserved so ti off after everything that happened." She shrugged lightly. "Honestly, I’m not sure what to do with myself right now."
Mors set his cup down, his gaze eting hers. "Then I’ll stay and keep you company."
Are you so free? Did you lose your job? Athena blinked, her fork pausing midair. "You’ll stay?" she repeated, as if she’d misheard.
He nodded, casually spreading so jam onto a piece of bread. "Yes. I’ve arranged my schedule accordingly."
Is he on vacation too? Her mouth opened slightly in disbelief. "You’re a Major General, Mors. Don’t you have... military matters to attend to?"
He smirked faintly, the corner of his mouth quirking up. "Do you think I can’t manage my responsibilities remotely?"
Heh. I didn’t say anything.
"My team is competent enough to handle things in my absence." He took a bite of bread and added, "Besides, I’d like to see how you spend your days without chaos chasing you."
Isn’t this surveillance? Athena narrowed her eyes at him, her lips pursed in suspicion. "You an to tell you have free ti? Just like that?"
Mors gave a low chuckle, leaning back in his chair. "I’ve earned so leave. And I’d rather spend it here, making sure you don’t attract more trouble."
"Trouble seems to find whether I attract it or not," she muttered, stabbing a piece of fruit with her fork. "But honestly, I’m not sure how to feel about this sudden developnt."
"Feel however you like," Mors replied smoothly. "I’m not asking for permission."
Athena rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. She reached for her tea, sipping it slowly as she studied him.
Despite his calm exterior, she couldn’t shake the feeling that his decision to stay wasn’t entirely for leisure. He must have a secret mission sowhere.
Still, she decided not to pry. If Mors wanted to stick around, she wasn’t going to argue. The idea of his company was oddly comforting, even if she wouldn’t admit it outright.
"Fine," she said finally, setting her cup down with a soft clink. "But don’t expect to adjust my routine for you. I plan to spend my ti relaxing, reading, and maybe catching up on so hobbies."
Mors tilted his head, a teasing glint in his eyes. "What hobbies?"
"None of your business," Athena shot back, though her tone was playful.
"Fair enough," he said, finishing his tea. "Just know I’m here, whether you like it or not."
Athena gave a small laugh, shaking her head. "You’re impossible, you know that?"
"So I’ve been told," Mors replied with a smirk.
Breakfast continued in a surprisingly lighthearted atmosphere, a rare mont of peace in the midst of their otherwise chaotic lives.
For once, neither of them was preparing for battle, and Athena found herself thinking that maybe, just maybe, having Mors around wouldn’t be so bad after all.
As breakfast neared its end, Mors casually leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze fixed on Athena. Does he want to tell sothing?
"How about a trip to another planet?" he asked nonchalantly, as if suggesting a stroll in a nearby park. "You deserve a vacation, and it wouldn’t hurt to unwind sowhere far from all this."
Athena froze mid-sip of her tea, lowering her cup to stare at him. "A vacation? To another planet?" Her voice was laced with disbelief, her brow furrowing. "Are you serious?"
Mors raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "Why wouldn’t I be? You’ve been through enough recently. A change of scenery might do you so good."
Athena blinked, still processing his suggestion. Is this a secret mission?
The idea of interstellar travel thrilled her, she’d always been curious about exploring the galaxy and experiencing the wonders of the advanced era she now found herself in.
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