"Mm…" Marilyn moaned softly, her brows furrowing as she tried to move her left arm—only to find it trapped beneath something warm and solid.

Her eyes fluttered open, and the sight of a broad, bare chest filled her view.

She blinked, and in that quiet moment, the memories of the previous night returned—slowly, vividly—each one painting warmth across her face. A blush crept up her cheeks, but so did a faint, content smile.

She nestled closer, resting her hand on his waist. The moment she did, a familiar arm tightened around her, pulling her closer.

"Still not awake?" His voice was low and gentle, carrying that lazy morning warmth.

She flinched slightly, looking up. "You're awake?"

Hades nodded with a quiet smile. "Yes, for a while now. I didn't want to wake you." Reaching up, he brushed a few strands of hair away from her face, his fingers lingering against her skin. "Watching you sleep like that… it almost feels like the world stands still. I can't imagine anything more peaceful—or more beautiful."

Marilyn's ears burned red, and she quickly looked away, hiding her smile.

Hades grinned and, with a smooth pull, lifted her onto his chest.

"Now tell me, wife," he murmured, tracing a line down her bare back that made her shiver, "how do you want to spend the day?"

Resting her chin on his chest, she met his eyes. "Is there anything special today?"

He shrugged lightly. "Not that I know of. But who can say when I'll be called away again? Until then, let's make every day count."

Marilyn hummed softly. She knew what he meant. As the heir to the throne, his duties were many, and lately, the tension between the Dragon Kings had only grown worse. He could be sent away at any moment.

"I have nothing in mind," she said, her voice low but certain. "I just want to be with you… no matter where we are."

Hades chuckled. "None of my wives ever sound demanding. Sometimes I worry I might start taking advantage of that."

Marilyn giggled lightly, brushing her fingers along his jaw. "Well, I can be demanding when I want to."

He caught her hand and kissed it gently, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Then I look forward to seeing that side of you, my dear."

Marilyn smiled, her head resting back on his chest as his hand began to trace slow, calming circles on her back. For a moment, there were no danger, no wars, no burdens—only the soft rhythm of their breathing, perfectly in sync.

Soon after, the two got up and, after a warm bath, changed into fresh clothes—though Hades had to wear the same outfit from the night before since he hadn't brought a spare.

As they stepped out of the room, a maid was already waiting outside. "Good morning, Young Master… Lady Marilyn."

Marilyn gave her a wry smile. "Really, Gloria?"

The maid, Gloria, only offered a faint smile in response, her eyes glimmering with quiet amusement. It was still strange for everyone—after all, not too long ago, Marilyn herself had been a servant in the castle.

Hades chuckled softly before asking, "Are the preparations done?"

"Yes, my lord. We'll be finished shifting her room by evening," Gloria replied with a respectful bow.

Marilyn blinked in surprise before recalling what Hades had told her last night—her room was being moved to the one beside his.

It made sense. Until she grew more comfortable in her new role as his wife, and got closer to the other two, she preferred to take things slowly. Sharing the same bed with all of them right away would have felt… a bit awkward.

Hades nodded approvingly. "Good. Has Luna woken up?"

"Yes, my lord. She's waiting for you in the dining hall," Gloria said.

"Let's go, Marilyn?" he urged with a small smile.

The raven-haired woman shook her head gently. "You go ahead. I need to speak with Gloria for a moment."

Hades didn't press. He gave her a brief nod before making his way toward the dining area—where, just as Gloria said, a familiar silver-haired woman was waiting for him.

"Luna," he called softly.

The moment she heard his voice, Luna turned toward him. For a brief moment, neither of them spoke—they simply looked at each other, the silence filled with unspoken words.

Then, Hades rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "I… I'm sorry about last night."

He had promised to sleep beside her, but things with Marilyn had… escalated unexpectedly.

Luna let out a small chuckle. "Stop being embarrassed and come here. Hug me."

Hades didn't hesitate. He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her slender frame, pulling her gently into his chest.

Luna relaxed instantly, resting her head against his shoulder. She exhaled a deep, content sigh. "Ah… I need this every morning. Like my morning tea."

Hades smiled softly and asked, "Feeling better now?"

"Better… just need another minute," she murmured, clinging a little tighter.

He didn't say another word, simply held her in silence—until both of them suddenly flinched as a voice echoed directly in their minds.

[HADES! WHEN ARE YOU RETURNING?]

They looked at each other in surprise before breaking into laughter.

With a teasing tone, Luna responded, 'Oh my, it's only been a day and you're already missing me?'

[I'm talking to my husband! Ugh, I still can't control this mind-link properly… Hades? Can you hear me?]

The redhead smiled, replying through thought, 'Yes, Peri. I can hear you. Good morning.'

[There's nothing good about this morning! I stayed up all night and woke up early… and now I want to see you.]

Hades sighed gently. 'But you need to stay with your mother for a while, don't you?'

[Yes… but can't you come here and stay for a few days?]

He smiled faintly. 'Luna and Marilyn need me here too, Peri. Please understand. I promise I'll come to Torseque within a week.'

He had already made plans to visit and bring her back with him.

There was a brief pause, then Peri's voice came again—softer, but tinted with possessiveness.

[When you come here… you'll be all mine, okay?]

Hades chuckled quietly, his eyes meeting Luna's as he replied, 'I promise.'

They soon sat around the dining table where breakfast was already arranged, the soft clatter of utensils and the warm aroma of freshly baked bread filling the room.

Luna poured herself another cup of tea—her second for the morning—and asked, "What about Marilyn?"

"Oh, she's chatting with Gloria," Hades replied casually, cutting a generous slice of bread cake. "She will join us in a minute. Let's start."

Luna nodded, taking a small sip from her cup before setting it down with a soft clink. "What's the plan for today? Do you need to be somewhere?"

Hades hummed thoughtfully, glancing out the window as he spread butter on his slice. "I don't know. I'll ask Avalin if Mother left any message for me. If not…" his lips curved into a faint smile, "maybe we can go on a date."

Luna's smile widened, a spark of playfulness in her tone. "How about we visit the guild of Aethernox? You've been curious about it for quite some time now, haven't you?"

Hades chuckled under his breath. "You're right. Ever since I got the license, I haven't used it even once."

After a brief pause, he leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. "But I'm unsure if Marilyn would want to go there."

"I would love to," came a voice from behind.

Both turned to see Marilyn walking toward them, her usual composed smile bright under the morning light. "I'm actually familiar with a few people there," she added, taking a seat beside Luna. "And since I haven't met them in a while, I could use this chance to catch up."

Hades nodded, "Then, that's settled. Let's finish the breakfast and go there."

"I am sorry to say, young Lord, but you can't." Suddenly, a familiar voice called out.

Marilyn flinched as she turned towards her left and found her sister frowning at her.

"Waking up so late…" Marilyn heard her mumbling which the younger one tactically pretended to not hear.

Turning towards the redhead, Avalin said, "Your Mother has already arranged your meeting with your teacher."

Hades was taken aback, "Teacher?"

Avalin nodded, "Yes, my lord. Someone who would help you learn more about your Core and train you in combat. He is the strongest warrior working under my lady, after all."

At those words, Marilyn froze. Her eyes slowly stretched as she asked, "Sister ….tell me I am wrong to think that this person is none other than…"

Avalin shook her head, "No, you are right. The one the Queen chose as the young master's mentor is none other than General Vulcan."

At that time, Hades didn't know why Marilyn reacted so nervously.

But soon…he would.

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