Aurelia stirred beneath the soft silk sheets, warmth pressing against her cheek. She frowned in her half-sleep, feeling something firm — solid, even — under her head. Not a pillow… Her fingers brushed the surface. It was warm, steady, and slightly rising with each slow breath. Her lashes fluttered open.
She sat up and saw a man lay on the bed.
Malion!!
And his eyes snapped open.
A pair of silver eyes stared right back at her.
Her heart nearly burst through her ribs as she found her head pillowed on King Malion's bare chest.
"Morning," he said lazily, voice still rough from sleep.
Aurelia let out a startled yelp and, without thinking, kicked her legs forward. Malion grunted as he was pushed right off the bed, landing on the marble floor with a dull thud.
"What—what are you doing here?!" she stammered, clutching the blanket like a weapon.
