EMBRACE THE STRESS
Damien's POV
Stepping into the room, my eyes scanned the room in search of Freda and I found her, lying on the bed fast asleep. I chuckled softly as I took in the sight.
Her brown hair fanned out across the pillows in a glorious mess and I could see drool at the side of her lips. A book lay half open on her face and her snores grew louder. But even these didn't mar the picture of Freda in my mind. To me, she was the epitome of perfection.
I walked towards her, careful not to make a sound as I approached. I reached out and gently removed the book from her face. Her eye's twitched and her long lashes fluttered, as if she was about to wake up but in the end, she just adjusted her position and continued snoring.
I smiled and grabbed the blanket she conveniently tossed to the side. I covered her with the soft fabric and I could see a small smile playing on her lips. I leaned down, her heavenly scent reaching my nose and placed a light kiss on her forehead.
Straightening up, I started to undress. I need to wash away the sweat and grime of the day before going to bed. I entered the bathroom and turned on the shower, allowing the cool water to wash away the tension of the day.
I finished bathing and toweled off. Leaving the bathroom, I glanced towards Freda and she hadn't moved. She lay curled up on her side and she looked so precious when she wasn't insisting on leaving my side.
I slipped into my robe, walked to the bed and laid down by her side. I played with her long silky brown hair for a while, before the drowsiness washed over me and I succumbed to sleep.
****
Sunlight snuck through a gap in the curtains and landed directly on my eyelids. I blinked against the brightness and roused myself from sleep. Stretching my limbs, a yawn escaped my lips and I glanced at my side, where Freda laid..
She was still fast asleep, her chest rising and falling. The sight of my mate’s peaceful face filled my heart with warmth. I leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. She stirred slightly in her sleep, muttering something incoherent.
I listened closer, trying to figure out what she was saying. “Peacock meat…delicious.”
“What the..” I resisted the urge to burst out laughing. I began to wonder why was she was thinking about peacock meat. It was probably one of the delicacies she dreamed of eating so I mentally added that to my checklist of things my mate wanted.
I stood up from and walked towards the window. Looking out, the vast compound of the castle came into view and beyond the gates was the kingdom of Valthrun. The kingdom that was now under my command.
I admired the view, mentally playing the scene where I would be crowned as king. Sure It was stressful and hectic but if I folded, enemies lurking like starving hyenas would snatch this crown from me. I might as well embrace the stress and enjoy it.
“Uhhh.” I heard a groan and snapped my neck towards the bed. Freda had woken up. She was rubbing her sleepy eyes with her palm and her big beautiful brown eyes landed on mine.
