Zerath laid an extra set of bedding and pillow near Vivia's bed. She craned her neck from above and pressed her lips in dismay. She appreciated Zerath's understanding toward their predicament, but for the Crown Prince to sleep on the floor didn't sit well with her.
"I urge you to take the bed. How could you sleep on the floor…? On the other hand, I'll be completely fine! I'm used to sleeping on the ground," she merrily said.
Zerath stopped and looked up. "Used to?"
"Yes. My back is too stubborn to yield to the cold floor," her nose imaginarily elongated with pride.
He gazed at the light in her eyes, recalling their short conversation in Belphegor's house. He smiled faintly.
"What a coincidence. My back has also never lost a battle against the floor."
"..."
This irksome demon always has a retort ready!
Eurus glanced from Zerath to Vivia.
"See? We're in the same chamber now just as you wished~" Vivia softly poked his cheek.
And pray to God to let this night pass by peacefully. After how I enjoyed a nap on his thighs, I've to be on my best behavior tonight!
Eurus's ice-silver eyes held a very obvious question.
Why isn't Zerath sleeping on the same bed with them?
Those beautiful eyes are going to be the death of me one day…Vivia sobbed.
"Please forgive us, but we sincerely cannot go any farther than this…" she pleaded. "You see, only a husband and wife can share the same bed."
It was evident that Eurus was clueless about the society's norms and traditions, and she didn't blame him. After twenty long years, the concept of marriage and a husband and wife was probably foreign to him, nevertheless his lips pursed with disappointment. So he turned to Zerath for an answer.
"It's unfortunate, but she's right," he smiled helplessly.
Eurus gave him a blank stare but eventually conceded. Vivia tucked him under the warm woolen blanket and joined him. They slept closer to the side of the bed where Zerath slept.
Eurus's little face lit up with pure joy, feeling the softness of the bed beneath him. The blanket covering him felt cozy and comfortable. He remembered the chill of the cave floor that had become a part of his everyday life. He wondered if he would get to sleep on the soft and warm bed like this every night?
"Is it comfortable?" Zerath asked from below.
Eurus was still lost in absorbing the delight of the warmth and softness but after a moment, he gave a single, contented nod.
Vivia smiled tenderly, her gaze warm. Her gaze drifted, and a flicker of the past crossed her eyes.
'Go away, Vivia. You cannot live in the shelter anymore. We cannot raise an undisciplined child who steals.'
'But I didn't steal anything! D-Don't throw me away…Where will I live?'
'You should've thought about it before stealing my pearl pendant! I've given you enough chances now. Leave!'
Vivia closed her eyes, the sound of the gates that had slammed shut on her face still fresh in her mind. She could still feel those cold nights slept under broken roofs and on the hard floor that hurt her legs and back with a chill that clung to her body.
This child has suffered far more than I have, but you'll never be cold again.
Just then, she felt a soft poke on her hand. Eurus was staring up at her, curious and thoughtful.
"A-Apologies. Were you saying something to me?"
Zerath, who had been silently observing her the entire time, asked, "What were you thinking about if I may ask?"
Vivia couldn't immediately answer. She took her time and slowly said, "I was thinking…how warm it feels."
Zerath stared at the room's ceiling with an unreadable gaze.
"What a coincidence. I was thinking the same."
A peaceful, quiet hush settled between them. Eurus turned to face Zerath and placed his small palm on top of Vivia's hand. Then, without a word, he stared at Zerath.
Feeling his intense gaze, he asked, "Do you want me to hold your hand too?"
He nodded.
Zerath chuckled softly and lifted his arm. He rested his palm atop his little fingers and enveloped Vivia's hand from below.
The brush of his fingers gently tickling her skin made her breath slightly hitch. They seemed to slightly sway and entwine with her fingers, making her remember how he had kissed it as he had expressed his sincere gratitude at Belphegor's home. How genuine his gaze had gleamed when he appreciated her dance.
"I hope Lady Vivia doesn't mind the child's wish."
"...Why do I feel like you're covering up your true intentions using him?"
"The accusation hurts me, Lady Vivia," a look of 'pain' flashed across his eyes.
Her brow twitched, and she decided to ignore him. Her eyes blinked once as her fingers grazed along the length of the faint calluses on his palm.
Is it because of his training practices?
Her gaze drifted to Zerath, which was oddly twinkling with mischief.
"...Crown Prince?"
"Seems like Lady Vivia has an interest in palm reading."
Her face slightly reddened with embarrassment.
"I wasn't doing what you might be thinking…" She tried to salvage her crumbling reputation.
"What do you think I was thinking about?" he asked with a carefree smile.
"I was simply appreciating your sword-training efforts," she acted nonchalantly.
"Why do I feel like you're covering up your true intentions with that excuse?"
"..."
She smiled pleasantly, albeit with a hint of murder in the curve of her lips. "It's not good for a child to stay awake for so long. We should sleep."
Eurus's gaze dropped. He was clearly having his silent fun with Zerath and Vivia's banter. She tickled him under his chin.
"Yes, it's time for you to sleep. You too, Crown Prince," her eyes narrowed. "Nyth val."
His brow arched, seeing her wish him good night in Xul.
"Nyth val, Vivia," he smiled harmlessly.
She gave him a sour look but beamed at Eurus as she wished him. "Nyth val!"
He nodded once and with that, the three gently closed their eyes for the night to come.
—
It was in the middle of the night when Vivia woke up with a start. She dreamt of the strange woman's silhouette once again as she stood before her surrounded by intense flames.
It felt oddly too similar to the time and space when Vivia had died - a strong force pulling her somewhere far in the blazing abyss and a woman facing her with grief in her eyes.
Vivia exhaled softly. She patted her forehead and wiped off the tiny beads of sweat. Glancing down at Eurus who was sound asleep, a small smile stretched her lips, feeling some of the tension ease.
She shifted slightly, only to realize her hand was still locked with Eurus and Zerath's. Her gaze alternated between the two, and she let out a silent cough.
Quietly, she bent down and reached Zerath's hand. A gulp passed down her throat.
Very slowly, Vivia. Very slowly, she reminded herself.
Taking all the time in the world, she gently withdrew his hand from Eurus's and hers without even a ruffle of disturbance. She exhaled a breath of relief. Satisfied with her stealth, she began to lower his hand onto his own bed when a hand caught her wrist.
"Where are you going, Vivia?"