The following morning, I wake to the gentle light filtering through the curtains. Emma is still snuggled close, her breathing deep and even. I carefully disentangle myself from her, not wanting to wake her just yet.
I quietly make my way to the kitchen to prepare some breakfast. The soft hum of the coffee machine is the only sound in the room as I start cooking. The smell of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere.
As I'm plating the food, Emma walks in, rubbing her eyes and looking adorably disheveled. "Good morning," she mumbles, her voice thick with sleep.
"Good morning," I reply with a smile. "I made breakfast. Hope you're hungry."
"Starving," she says, plopping down at the table. "You didn't have to do this, you know."
"I wanted to," I say, placing a plate in front of her. "It's the least I can do after you listened to all my drama last night."
She grins, taking a bite of bacon. "Anytime. I'm a good listener."
We eat in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the simple pleasure of a homemade breakfast. The events of last night feel like a distant memory in the light of day, replaced by a sense of calm and contentment.
"So," Emma starts, breaking the silence, "what's the plan for today?"
I shrug. "Not much. I thought we could just relax, maybe explore a bit more of the kingdom. What do you think?"
"Sounds perfect," she replies, a warm smile spreading across her face. "I could use a day of just enjoying life. There's this cute little book shop I wanted to stop at soon."
We finish our breakfast and clean up together, chatting about mundane things and making plans for the day. As we step out into the fresh morning air, I feel a sense of peace and optimism I haven't felt in a long time. The sun is shining brightly as we stroll through the bustling streets, the air filled with the sound of lively chatter and the scent of blooming flowers.
The bookshop, nestled between a charming café and an antique store, has a warm and inviting exterior. Its wooden sign, adorned with intricate carvings. As we step inside, a tiny bell above the door jingles, announcing our arrival.
The shop is cozy and filled with the comforting smell of old books and fresh parchment. Shelves line the walls, packed with an eclectic mix of titles. There are soft, worn armchairs scattered around, and a large window seat bathed in sunlight invites visitors to sit and read.
Emma's eyes light up as she takes in the scene. "This place is amazing," she whispers, her voice filled with awe.
We wander through the aisles, each of us drawn to different sections. Emma gravitates toward the non-fiction and classics, her fingers gently tracing the spines of the books. I find myself towards the fantasy section.
As Emma meanders through the aisles, she picks up a bound copy of "Mating Problems," waving it at me with a teasing grin. I can't help but snort as she flips open the cover, thumbing through the pages with an exaggeratedly serious expression.
"We need to get this for you," she says, her eyes glinting with mischief.
I roll my eyes playfully, a smirk stretching across my face. "Oh, absolutely. Because my life isn't complicated enough already."
"Hey, you never know. It might have some useful advice." Emma laughs, the sound light and musical, as she sets the book back on the shelf.
"Like how to avoid toxic exes and navigate 'situation-ships' with kings?" I quip, earning another laugh from her.
YOU ARE READING
Well Beyond
WerewolfIn a world where werewolves and humans coexist, Cordelia Greene struggles to survive after a devastating attack on her pack. The brutal conflict, marked by the deaths of Alpha Erik Arison's parents and the downfall of Cordelia's own pack, made them...