Beyond The Sands of Time

Chapter 20: Morning Playfulness

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm and gentle glow across the room. I stirred, my eyes slowly fluttering open as I became aware of my surroundings. I was still in Ivan's arms, and a contented sigh escaped my lips as I remembered the events of the previous night.

Ivan was still sleeping soundly, his chest rising and falling rhythmically. His peaceful expression made him look years younger, and I couldn't help but smile at the sight of him. Despite my initial reservations and the complications that had arisen from our growing closeness, I couldn't deny the happiness I felt in this moment.

Carefully, I extricated myself from Ivan's embrace, not wanting to disturb his slumber. I sat up on the edge of the bed and took a moment to collect my thoughts. Our relationship had taken an unexpected turn, and I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us.

The promise of a visit to the garden still lingered in my mind. It was a small but significant step, a sign that Ivan cared about my happiness and well-being. It was also a reminder of the moments we had shared, the stolen glances and the brush of our lips, all of which had left an indelible mark on my heart.

As I quietly got out of bed and prepared for the day ahead, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The garden awaited, and with it, the chance to spend more time with Ivan, to explore the depths of our feelings for each other.

I descended the grand staircase and entered the dining room where the morning sun spilled its golden light through the large windows. The servants, going about their duties, greeted me with warm smiles and polite nods as I made my way to the kitchen.

There, I found the royal cook busy with the morning preparations. I approached him, a determined look on my face, and said, "Good morning. I'd like to prepare breakfast for Ivan today."

The royal cook, taken aback by my request, hesitated for a moment. It wasn't a common occurrence for a queen to want to cook, but he must have sensed the sincerity in my request and eventually nodded in agreement.

"I understand, your majesty. I'll prepare the ingredients you need, and you can let me know if you require any assistance," he said.

I appreciated his willingness to accommodate my request. "Thank you. I'd like to do this myself, but I'll call for you if I need any help."

With that, I asked all the servants to leave me alone in the hearth, affording me the seclusion I needed to prepare a special breakfast for Ivan. I didn't have much experience in cooking, but I was determined to make this meal memorable.

As I moved about the hearth, I could feel the anticipation building within me. This was a small gesture, but I wanted to convey to Ivan how deeply I cared for him and how much I cherished his presence in my life. The ingredients were laid out before me, and I commenced the process, hoping that my endeavors would elicit a smile when he joined me for breakfast.

"Morning," Eliza greeted me with a warm smile as I continued to busy myself in the making breakfast. I returned her greeting with a nod and a smile of my own.

Eliza's curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't help but tease me. "So, cooking and all, Cass, who are you?" she said, letting out a playful laugh.

I blushed slightly and admitted, "You were right, Eli."

Her laughter continued, but it was filled with joy. "I knew, and I'm so happy for you," she said, her smile radiant. Eliza had been perceptive from the beginning, recognizing my growing feelings for Ivan.

"Thank you, Eli, for always staying by my side," I said, putting aside my cooking for a moment and embracing her in a heartfelt hug. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for having a friend like her, someone who had been there for me through thick and thin.

Eliza returned the hug with equal warmth. "You're welcome, Cass. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

As we pulled away from the hug, I couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of confidence and happiness. With Eliza's support and Ivan's presence in my life, I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, no matter how daunting they might be.

Eliza and I chatted for a while as she prepared breakfast for herself and Kayden. After I finished making breakfast for Ivan, I decided it was time to bring it upstairs to our chamber.

Entering our chamber I found Ivan still sleeping peacefully. I smiled at the sight of him, feeling a rush of affection as I approached the table to set down the prepared meal. However, I needed to wake him up, and I had a mischievous idea in mind.

"Ivan," I called out his name softly, but he didn't budge. It seemed he was in a deep slumber.

As I contemplated what to do next, an idea suddenly popped into my head. I couldn't resist the urge to play a little jest on him. Moving closer to his face, I let out a blood-curdling scream that was far from normal. The sudden, ear-piercing noise filled the room.

Ivan jolted awake, his eyes wide with shock, and he sat up in bed with a start. His disheveled appearance and bewildered expression made me burst into laughter. I couldn't help myself; his reaction was priceless.

"Ivan, you look like you've seen a ghost!" I exclaimed between giggles, enjoying the playful moment.

He looked towards me and his expression changed to mischievous. He pushed me in bed with him hovering me.

Ivan's mischievous side had clearly awakened, and he seized the opportunity to playfully tease me further. With a swift motion, he pushed me onto the bed, his strong frame hovering over me, his eyes filled with a playful glint.

"That's not how you wake your husband up, love," he said in a husky voice, his tone filled with a mixture of amusement and desire.

I chuckled, not expecting this turn of events. "No? Then how do you suggest waking up?" I asked, still laughing but feeling the undeniable spark of attraction between us, but Ivan had other plans in mind. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he declared, "You need to be punished," his hands moving closer to my waist.

I knew exactly what was coming, and I let out a playful scream of protest, but it was too late. Ivan began to tickle me, and since I was extremely ticklish, it was a true punishment. Between fits of laughter, I managed to gasp out, "Stop!"

But Ivan, enjoying my reaction, teased, "What did you say?" and continued his ticklish assault.

"I said stop it, I can't breathe," I managed to say, still laughing and running out of breath.

Finally, he relented, and we both lay side by side, laughing and catching our breath. It was a joyful, carefree moment, and I couldn't remember the last time I had laughed so freely.

After taking a few deep breaths, I decided to bring our morning back on track. "Okay, now that you're awake, get up and get freshened up. I have prepared breakfast."

"You have prepared breakfast for me?" Ivan was genuinely surprised.

I nodded, leaning closer to him and planting a sweet kiss on his cheek. "Yes, now go and get ready," I said with a smile, looking forward to sharing our first meal of the day together.

Author's Note:

In this chapter, we explore the playful and affectionate side of Cassandra and Ivan's relationship. Their morning antics and shared laughter reveal the growing bond between them. As they continue to navigate the complexities of their feelings, anticipation for the future builds.

Thank you for following their journey.

Sincerely,
Ivory