Xavier, who had woken up after a short nap, actually stayed awake just to make sure Luca was okay.
He didn't move—just kept watching, still and quiet. He held Luca close and soaked in the sight of his little chipmunk curled up against him, cheeks soft, lashes long, breathing steady. Luca nuzzled against his chest in his sleep, the corners of his lips twitching now and then like he was dreaming something absurd. Probably food-related. It was perfect.
And if it were up to him, Luca wouldn't have to move today.
Or tomorrow.
He'd just sleep, eat, and recover.
Unfortunately, not even the Imperial Crown Prince could control one of the most in-demand people in the empire: their own busy, twitchy, easily flustered, sometimes stabby spouse.
Just like how he's stirring in his arms right now, as if he could read his mind.
Luca woke up like a changed man.
