Leia couldn't sleep a wink that night. Her thoughts spun endlessly, replaying the passionate kiss she had shared with Lucien. It had been the second time, only this time, she hadn't stopped him. She hadn't turned away. It was her choice. And more than just the kiss, it was the things she said afterward… things she never would've voiced if she'd been thinking clearly.
As the faint glow of dawn crept through the window, the soft chirping of birds reached her ears. She shifted slightly, turning to face Lucien. He lay fast asleep and his features were relaxed and serene.
Her gaze lingered on him.
'How could he sleep so easily after what happened? Was his heart untouched by it? Did it not affect him the way it did to me? But he did say he admired me.'
Leia closed her eyes slowly, trying to block the questions tormenting her mind. But just then, she felt the gentle weight of his arm sliding around her waist. His body instinctively drew closer, and he nestled into her without waking.
