Angelus Carduus

Chapter 37: Half Asleep

Myra had a letter in her hand. She stared at it before knocking on the door to Valeria's room.

"Good morning, Your Grace." she greeted as soon as she walked inside.

Valeria blankly stared at the wall, still in her nightgown as she had just woken up for the day. Her hair was a mess, almost looking like a bird's nest but thanks to Myra's quick hands and skills, in no time Valeria looked perfect and ready.

"Your Grace, there is a letter for you." Myra handed the letter to Valeria who was semi-awake.

"Letter..?" Valeria responded back groggily, taking the letter from Myra.

She opened up and read the content inside before blankly gazing up at Myra. She let out a small yawn which she covered with her hand, and got up, proceeding to leave her room.

"..Your Grace?" Myra called out but she didn't answer back and continued walking to the destination she had in mind.

"Don't tell me she's half-asleep?" she muttered to herself, sighing.

Valeria stopped in front of a door and knocked on it. Her eyes were feeling heavy but she kept them as wide as she possibly could, not wanting to fall back asleep whilst standing. The door opened, revealing Aelius who also just finished getting ready for the day.

Seeing her in front of his bedroom door caused him to nearly jump back in shock. He hurriedly straightened his back and adjusted his clothes.

"Good morning, Aelius." Valeria muttered, still fighting her sleepiness away.

Aelius nodded, "Good morning, wife. Is there something you need?"

Valeria looked up at him before shaking her head, "Just want to see your face."

Aelius could have sworn his brain suddenly stopped functioning. The duchess— his wife wanted to see his face early in the morning? Was he dreaming? He closed his eyes shut for five seconds and opened them again.

Valeria was still standing in front of him, her eyes on him. He wasn't dreaming.

"O..oh, I see!" he stammered by accident.

Aelius was very close to running back into his room to hide from the embarrassment he brought upon himself. Valeria then had a small look of realisation. She lifted the letter in her hand into view.

"Julius sent a letter. He wants to come and visit."

Aelius didn't bother checking the contents inside, instantly believing in her words without hesitation,

"Alright, it is your choice to allow. You two are childhood friends."

"Oh..okay."

The letter fell out of her hand, landing on the soft carpet beneath their feet. Aelius bent down, reaching towards the letter. His fingers grasped onto it and as he got back up, he felt something leaning against him.

He nearly tripped when his eyes landed on Valeria's figure leaning against his side. Assuming it was on accident, he began to carefully pry her body away from him.

"...Warm." she mumbled.

He stopped his actions, "I'm warm?"

Valeria nodded to his question. "Warm. Nice."

Her body swayed and was about to fall to the ground but Aelius wrapped his arms around her waist, bringing her close to him.

He heaved a relieved sigh, "You nearly fell..." his words trailed off as his eyes fell on her lips which were close to his.