A joke ?

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, warm glow over the room. I stretched languidly, feeling the comforting weight of Lydia beside me. She was still asleep, her breathing steady and peaceful.

I watched her for a moment, allowing myself to linger in this rare moment of quiet. There was something about the way she looked when she slept serene, vulnerable that stirred something deep inside me.

A sense of protectiveness, perhaps, or just an overwhelming urge to keep her safe from the world.

But I couldn't help the thoughts that began to creep in. Lydia would soon be crowned queen, and with that title would come responsibilities that would pull her away from me. I knew it was inevitable.

There would be meetings, decisions, and countless duties demanding her attention. And though I would remain by her side, things would be different. We would have less time, fewer moments like this one, where it was just the two of us.