101 Caught in the act

When he had finally completed his work, Azel was just about to lean back and stretch in his chair, only to recall that there was a figure leaning on his shoulder.

He stiffened and let out a sigh.

"I told her to return to her chambers," he mumbled, though contrary to his thoughts, there was a small smile on his lips.

With a huff, he cradled Adelia's head, carefully leaning back on the lounge to avoid waking her. After releasing her, he let her slouch against the backrest comfortably.

Azel studied her sleeping visage for a good while, his fingers unconsciously stroking her delicate cheek, making her shiver slightly in her sleep.

She reminded him so much of a fragile porcelain doll, and sometimes she looked exactly that, but there were other times she seemed as rigid as oak.

Azel couldn't suppress the chuckle that escaped his lips, then his eyebrows furrowed when his thoughts involuntarily returned to her earlier words.