The soft rays of the sun hit the room and brightened it up to the point you squirmed to get away, to stay a little longer in the comfort of sleep. Into the comfort and warmth that was wrapped around you.
“Hmm?“
Your eyes fluttered open, blinking sleepily as you groped the warm hardness spooning you. Confused, you blinked, mind going blank as you came face to face with someone's bare chest.
Your sleep vanished in an instant.
You jumped back. At least tried to. There was a stronghold coiled around your midsection, keeping you in place.
“Hey—!“
You looked up and for a single moment your breathing hitched and your struggling stopped.
Claude. He looked so peaceful. So endearing. His golden hair strewn messily on the pillow, mouth parted slightly, noise twitching cutely now and then gave off an untroubled innocent feel, unlike his stiff hard-to approach aura.
You grumbled when he curled up against you, his bare chest squished against your face, legs tangled with yours, and his large body spooning you, with sleepy little kisses pressed on your crown.
Why was he doing this first thing in the morning?! This is what I get after I help him sleep?!
Frustrated, you pinched his chest. That was enough to let him go of you with a pained hiss. He cracked open one eye and let out a grunt.
You sat up and scowled at his clueless, cranky expression. “Don't give me that look. You were—wow! Not again!“
Ignoring what you had to say, he closed his eyes, wrapped his arms around you, buried his face in your stomach, and like a stubborn cat that has found his favorite spot, he refused to budge an inch.
“Wha—C'mon! Dammit.“
You wrestled to get him off you. With him letting out sleepy disgruntled noises while yours were of frustration. By the end of it you were panting, having failed to get him off and he was looking at you with half-lidded sleepy eyes, brows furrowed slightly, still cluelessly blinking. Like he didn't feel any of your feeble efforts at all. And didn't know why the hell you were trying to get him off.
“You..can you please get off?“ You said looking down at him with twitching eyes.
Again ignoring you which made you huff in exasperation, he focused on the blue drop pendant dangling from your neck.
You hadn't taken it off. For some inexplicable reason, it felt precious to you. Something you treasured a lot. Even with no memories, you knew it was close to your heart. So you kept it on.
And looking at his shifting expression, it seems important for him too.
You cleared your throat and he stared at you. You forced a stiff smile. “Uh, my lap is not your pillow. So can you get off?“
“Hmm...“
Claude let out a low hum, his gaze dazed and half awake as a small lazy smile formed on his lips. He raised his hand, his fingertips softly tracing across your cheek. You parted your lips to tell him off but you froze when he gripped the back of your neck and brought you down, inches away from his lips.
He still looked out of it. Like the sleep hasn't completely left him and he was doing this like an instinct. Like a habit, he developed over years.
You swallowed at the tingling sensation and hurriedly said. “Are you not awake ye—Mphm!“
You felt lightheaded as he kissed you slowly, softly, his thumb gently drawing circles on your cheek as he cupped your face. Strangely, you had an odd desire to give in and melt into his touch.
He was kissing you like he had done it million times before. Like it wasn't something unusual.
“Morning..“
He murmured as his lips lingered on yours. You could feel him faintly smiling against you.
The moment he looked at your face and saw your flustered and disgruntled expression, his relaxed smile stiffened.
“Morning, my ass!“ You shoved him away and he willingly let go with a slightly guilty look. You wiped your lips with the back of your hand. “What the hell do you think you're doing?!“
Claude sat up and you flinched when his bare chest came on full glory. “Sorry, it's a habit.“
You stared at him stunned speechless and threw the nearest pillow at him. “A habit?! You have a habit of kissing women first thing in the morning?!“
Claude dodged the pillows and caught the last one. “Not everyone, only you. I forgot you don't remember. Of course, that's no excuse…I... Hah, I'm sorry.“
You stopped midway throwing a pillow and narrowed your eyes at his dejected expression. “Only me?“
“Yes, only you.“ Claude said edges of his once dejected frown twitched upward in amusement. “Now put that pillow down. That hurts more than I expected.“
You squinted harder, unimpressed by his laughing gaze. Though you admit, joy looks far better on him than sorrow. And it looks like he had decent sleep.
Of course, that didn't stop the pillow from getting yeeted straight to his face.
“Oomph—”
“So why the hell are you half-naked? Is that habit of yours too?“
Claude sighed when you raised another pillow threateningly. It was in a flash. You were flipped on your back and he towered over you, pinning your wrists beside your head. You clamped your mouth shut when his eyes glowed in barely suppressed playfulness, his stoic face breaking into a smug expression. “Actually, you were the one who forced me to sleep half naked. You like to see me topless with my chest bare for you. I'm yours, and so is my body, that's what you kept saying as you ripped my robe apart.“
“No way…” Your face burst into flames when he smirked. “I was that shameless?!“
“No, you are more open with your affection. Shamelessly so.“
“It's the same thing!“
“Not really.“
As you're dying inside from embarrassment, he placed a tender kiss on your forehead and nuzzled his nose against yours.
Your heart accelerated at his action. It was strange you didn't flinch from his touch as you should since he's practically a stranger, a man from your forgotten memories. Yet you were craving more of him.
“Can I kiss you?“
A brief stunned silence and your face twisted. “You are a pervert, you know that?“
Claude chuckled, shoulders shaking as he leaned down to whisper. His warm love-filled eyes robbed you of your breath. “I guess I'm also more open with my affection. More shamelessly than you, it seems. Hmm, maybe more aggressive too.“
You wanted to scoff at him. But you couldn't. Instead, you looked away, biting your lips. You heard his breathy laugh as he shifted to get off you. You reflexively grabbed his wrists and he paused.
You swallowed your breath and whispered after a brief silence. “Do you love me?“
“I do.“ There was no hesitation. No pause in his answer. His eyes smiled down at you as he brought your wrist to his lips. “I love you. Forever and more.“
Something about the way he said that phrase like a silent promise, butterflies swirled in your stomach. “..Did I love you?
Claude sighed in longing as he pressed his lips against your pulse. His eyes shining brightly buried into yours. “You do. You love me. It's the reason why I have to deal with all your bullshit of hurting yourself for my sake As if hurting yourself is going to bring me any joy.“ The last part was mumbled in irritation as a mild yet terrifying glare formed on his face.
You couldn't speak for a moment. Any words you had dissolved in your throat. You averted your eyes from his intense ones as he continued to mumble about your stupidity.
“So,” Claude started,
You looked back at him. You didn't realize your lips were curled up in a small bashful smile until he smiled at you, his thumb tracing your lips.
“My kiss?“
Your smile fell away. How could he go from being extremely sincere and sweet to this pervert so quick?
“No. Now move.“
Claude sighed in disappointment as he sat up, helping up as well. Despite that, there was a small smile barely visible curled on his lips as if he was greatly enjoying this.
You looked around, suddenly feeling awkward and fidgety. His sudden confession of love made it hard to look him in the eyes. His staring at you with a soft expression wasn't helping either.
Urgh. What a mess.
“You look better.“ You said abruptly, forcing yourself to look at his refreshed face. You frowned. “Not as much I'd like. At least you don't look like a zombie now.“
Claude ran a hand through his disheveled hair and slowly smirked. “All thanks to you. I'll get better soon with a few more nights with you in my arms.“
You rolled your eyes and scoffed. Ah, he's back at it. “This was one time. It won't happen twice.“
“Hmm.“
“Don't 'hmm' me!“ You didn't like how smug and certain he sounded and looked. It was like he already knew everything would happen opposite of your words. “It won't happen again, sir. So get it out of your head.“
“Didn't you have a good night too?“ Claude raised an eyebrow as you rolled off the bed and stood up.
You stopped and looked over your shoulder with a sarcastic smile. “Maybe. So what?“
“Don't you want more?“
“No.“
“Are you sure?“ Claude nonchalantly asked as he got off the bed and grabbed his robe.
You looked away from him as he put on the robe. “Yes, I'm damn sure.“
“It will only get better with each night.“
“Stop wording it like that! I don't want to sleep with you. End of discussion. Now get out. I'm going to take shower.“
“I can join you.“
“No thanks.“ You rubbed your head which was starting to throb. You scowled at him. “The door is right there. Please get out.“
“This is our room, you know.“ Claude said while fixing the bed, putting the pillows back in their place. Something about the simple, domesticated action made tilt your head curiously. “It's mine as much as it's yours.“
“Was. I'm currently occupying it.“ Nope. There wasn't time for you to get enamored and curious with his smallest action. This man was getting on your nerves. You needed him out of your sight to think clearly. “Get your skinny ass out now!“
He straightens up, smirking. “The skinny ass you like to call sexy?“
You threw your hands up and spun around, absolutely done with him. He was driving you nuts! “Oh my god, you're so annoying! Please get out!“
You were startled when he suddenly came behind. That quickly changed into shock when he stole a kiss from your lips. As if that was not enough, he went for another one.
“I'll take this as compensation for letting you take over our room. Your clothes are in the closet. Wear whatever you like.“
With that he walked out, nonchalantly closing the door behind him.
You stared wide eyes at the door in disbelief.
“That bastard!“
You were still fuming as you chomed down your food. The delicious taste eased your irritation and distracted you from the man himself.
The audacity of that man. He made you sit beside him despite not wanting to. The dining table was long and spacious that one person could sit leaving one seat empty but no. This manchild had to drag you to sit beside him At least Athanasia and Jennette were there, talking about their day with a bright smile. You could pretend he wasn't there, just sitting beside you, tapping on your legs even when you stomped on his for the tenth time.
“Knock it off." You hissed in a low whisper as you felt him tap your ankle this time.
“What?“ Claude looked at you innocently like he had no clue what you were talking about.
“Urgh..“ You tightly clenched your fork.
This absolute menace of man.
“Your majesty…” Felix said slowly, seeing you seething silently while looking seconds away from the murder. He laughed nervously when Lily patted his back, her way of saying to stay out of it.
Hopefully, he won't see any bloodshed though he admired the nostalgic scene.
“Mom?“
“Y-Yes?“ You turned away from the subtly smirking man and looked at Athanasia. You were still not used to being called a Mom.
Athanasia looked worried as she asked. “Is the food not good?“
“No?“
“You look angry..?" Athanasia looked at her Dad suspiciously and gasped when she saw his lips twitching. She saw Felix shake his head while Lily smiled meaningfully. “Ah. Never mind, Mom. Dad, please, let Mom eat in peace.“
Claude simply glanced at her with a stoic face. “Tsk."
You beamed at her when he retreated.
“You're such a sweetheart, Athanasia. So mature,” You threw a glare to your side. “unlike someone."
Claude opened his mouth to retort but Athanasia clapped her hand and smiled. For some reason, the smile looked quite terrifying. “Except for you two everyone here is mature, Mom, Dad. But don't worry about it. Let's enjoy our food, yes?"
“Y-yes." You almost dropped your fork. Did Athanasia always have this scary side?“
“Ah, she smiling like her." Felix muttered while looking at Athanasia and you and shuddered.
“Something you want to say, Felix?" Athanasia directed her 'sweet' smile towards Felix.
Felix shook his head. “Nothing your highness!"
Lily smiled in amusement. “It's not just her smile, sir Felix. Everything. Like a daughter will."
As the dining table filled with joyful mood and chatter, your gaze focused on the silent child smiling with a distant look on her face.
Your forehead furrowed slightly in concern. You decided to wait for everyone to leave and then ask her.
The first one to leave was Athanasia with a reluctant expression as Lucas came to remind her of her classes. She shot him a glare and left after a brief goodbye with Felix and Lily.
“…"
Surprisingly Claude stayed, silently staring at Jennette with no emotion on his face as the maids cleared off the table.
You became more concerned.
He didn't say anything when you walk to Jennette with a concerned look. “What's the matter, Jennette? Something's bothering you, what is it?“
Jennette looked at you anxiously before her shaking eyes shifted to Claude. She seems to gather her courage for something. It didn't take as a determined expression formed on her face. She walked and stopped in front of Claude.
“Your majesty, m-my father.“ Abruptly Jennette got on her knees and deeply bowed her head. “Please reconsider his punishment.“
“Jenette—” You stopped. The atmosphere in the room had changed. And the man looking at Jenette with a cold stoic look wasn't the same person who drove you nuts and claimed to love you. No, right now he was the Emperor. You clenched your fists and step back. The matter wasn't something an outsider can interfere with.
“…”
Jennette's voice quivered with desperation at the prolonged silence. “I know my father had made many mistakes. But I don't want my father to die. Please you majesty, I beg your pardon. Please don't kill my father.“
You were confused. Father? Punishment? What the hell was happening? You couldn't ask. Your bit your lips nervously as Claude looked at her coldly, without any trace of emotion on his face.
“Get up.“
Jennette flinched.
“You'll meet your father soon. Get up and go join Athanasia. You need to start your education too. Go.“
Jenette looked relieved. You patted your chest as the pressure in the room vanished.
“Thank you, your Majesty!“ Jenette looked like she wanted to ask something but she bit her lips and stood up, bowing once more.
You patted her head with a smile. “Go and find Athanasia. I'm sure she'll happy to have you study alongside her. But don't overdo it. Be sure to take small breaks, okay?“
You looked back at Claude who was staring out the window with a clouded expression.
“Don't worry. He gave you his word. He won't go back on it. You'll meet your father soon.“
“Thank you, Miss.“ Jenette beamed before going out to find Athanasia. You watched her back into it disappeared.
“Where is her father?“ You asked cautiously.
“Dungeon.“
“Dungeon..?“ Your eyes aimlessly roamed all over the room. Your mind was trying to absorb the information. “Why?“
What the hell did he do to land himself in the dungeon?
“He pissed me off.“
“He pissed you off…?“ You blinked several times. Did you hear it right? “Eh? So you threw him in the dungeon..?“
“Yes.“
“Eh?“
What kind of sibling war was going on? Aren't they taking it too far?
It was true you fought with your siblings like cats and dogs. Always going for each other's throat. And there were many moments you wanted to yeet them to the end of the earth or better yet into space when they annoyed you too much.
But...
He really took the sibling squabbling to another level.
You were stupefied.
Claude calmly continued, unaware of the crazy look you were giving him. “He committed treason against the nation and the Emperor. Attempted to throw the nation into chaos. So he's in a dungeon waiting for his rightful punishment. That bastard.“
“Ah, so he's a criminal.“ You nodded your head. He could have said that earlier to avoid all the misunderstanding you conjured up. You almost labeled him petty and insane.
Wouldn't that mean Jenette won't be able to see her father?
“Claude…” You trailed off.
“That stupid fool.“
A murmur filled with resentment. Resentment bordering on hatred reflected in the eyes glaring outside.
“That dim-witted bastard.“
You slowly stepped forward, listening to his mumbles.
Yet those eyes were shaking. Shaking with memories of the past he couldn't forget.
“Claude.“
No reply. The murmurs faded away as he dragged his hand down his face with a tired sigh.
“Whatever you do, make sure you won't regret it. You might be the Emperor but that doesn't mean you have to abandon your personal feelings.“
Claude flinched and slowly lifted his head to look at you.
You sighed. “I know I shouldn't meddle when I don't what's going on. But,” You stared at his face. “I don't like the expression you have right now. “
“…What?“ Claude brushed his face as if to feel what expression you are talking about.
“You look conflicted. “ You gently pull away his hand and smooth out the crease of his frown. “You look pained. There's resentment. And also longing. You consider him a family but you also hate him because of it. But that hate isn't from a place of malice. No, it was created because you know him. Maybe once cared for him.“
Claude caught your wrist, a mild cold glare pressed your way. “What makes you think I cared for that bastard?“
You smiled. “You wouldn't be so conflicted if you didn't.“
“Ha,” Claude scoffed in laughing breath. Shaking his head in disbelief, he yanked you on his lap. You yelped at the sudden action.
“It's like you never lost your memories.“ He murmured against your skin, nuzzling against your neck.
Shivers ran down your spine at the warm breath fanning against your sensitive skin.
“Why are you like this?!“ You complaint, smacking his shoulders.
“I want to kiss you. So badly.“
“No!“ You smacked his face and shoved him away.
He chuckled, his hands pulling at your waist.
“I love you “
The soft confession was muffled under your palm.
You narrowed your eyes, a little bit flustered. “You are not kissing me.“
“You can kiss me.“
“I don't want to.“
It continued until you finally caved in and gave him a quick peck on his cheek. Only then that jerk was satisfied and went on his way to the dungeon where Jennette's father Anastasius was kept.
Having no one to get on your nerves, you wandered around aimlessly. Found Jenette and Athanasia in the garden along with Lucas.
“You're an idiot.“
“Excuse me?“ You look at the black-haired guy who out of the blue called you an idiot for no reason at all. Was he picking fights with you?
He tsked, “You're an idiot.“
“I heard the first time. Why the hell are you calling me an idiot?!“
He shot you a sharp disdainful glare and scoffed. “Everything is falling apart. All because you're a slow-witted idiot who can't think ahead of time.“
You scowled.
Lucas didn't care as his words continued to dig in like poisonous daggers. “Now you have a convenient excuse for all the mess you're creating because of your stupid choices.“
Safe to say Athanasia did not take it kindly. Lucas ended up with a hardcore punch to his stomach and a good smack to his head.
Even though you laughed it off, your stomach was in knots. His words felt like an ominous warning. Like he knew what was to come and he wasn't happy about it.
And it seems you were at the center of it.