The teasing turned to playful caresses, and then to whispers in the dim glow of the moonlight filtering through the embroidered curtains. Sophia trailed her fingers across Kent's arm, murmuring stories of how they trained while he was away.
Lily told him about Fatty Ben's ridiculous snoring and how they nearly killed him with a pillow. Mona shared how she once tried to wear Kent's old robe to sleep but tripped over it and knocked herself unconscious.
"I woke up hugging the floor, convinced it was you," she said, poking him in the chest.
Slowly, the tension dissolved into warmth. Kent relaxed. There was nothing like being surrounded by those who loved him—not just for his power or title, but for the fool, friend, and man he was beneath it all.
"Alright," Amelia said, stretching, "we're all tired. One bed, one Kent. May the heavens forgive what happens tonight."
Mona grabbed a corner. "I get his right arm!"
"I'm taking the left!" Sophia declared.
