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With a hearty laugh, Maris slanted her head and pulled Valda into another kiss.

Maris inhaled sharply, her eyes fluttering open to the lingering memory of her dream. It was hard to focus on the image, but compared to the dark, painful ones she has had in the past years, this dream was warm. Although things weren’t quite going well back in the castle with the attack at Ophelia Plaza, the rogues at Umbriel, her relationship with the queen was growing.

Each moment spent together drew them closer. Now, being with her at New Agenor, handling all the responsibility that Valda had bestowed upon her, she still felt a little nervous but content. All because Valda trusted her. She trusted her enough to give her the reins. Maris couldn’t help but smile happily. Being in New Agenor made her feel as if she was right at home, albeit there were many things to be done to make this place a better one. Just by being here, they were headed in the right direction.

Maris turned her head, her gaze settling on the sleeping queen. The tranquility in the woman’s features stirred something inside her. It was so rare to see her so calm, so relaxed. Unable to deny herself, Maris moved a soft strand of hair away from Valda’s forehead. The other woman did not flinch a muscle but let out a pleasurable sigh before shifting under the covers.She wanted to wake up every single morning of her life to see the queen’s calm face right next to her. The queen’s peace brought her peace. It brought her happiness. It brought her home.

Maris frowned. Home. She was home. It didn’t matter if she was in the new settlement, or back in the castle, or even in the Sea Kingdom, rebuilding the forsaken land. If Valda was next to her, she was home.

As much as Valda felt guilty about not doing more for her people, Maris was grateful she even decided to take her to New Agenor. She didn’t have to. She could continue with her life without caring, but she hadn’t. She cared, she was here, she was open to change and open to helping, and Maris was forever grateful. Today would be a more than special day, and she was happy to share it with Valda.

Her eyes drifted from Valda’s content face to the window. It was still dark, but in a couple of hours, dawn would break, and then she would be completely involved in the day’s activity. Today was going to be a long day. She should probably get some more hours of sleep, but she was too excited.

Maris pulled the covers off her naked body, carefully slipped out of the bed, and walked to their bags. She pulled out Valda’s clothes for the day as well as her own. Remembering the relentless sun and overwhelming heat, she thought a cotton blouse and knee-length breeches would do Valda just fine, while she would wear a Sealian tunic that reached the middle of her thighs and breeches resembling Valda’s. Although she had seen Eyphah barefooted, she thought that Valda would make do with boots while she wore sandals.

Suddenly, the small bag that Melvian had prepared for them caught her eye. She pulled it open, going through its contents. There was medicine powder, bandages, and a small flask with a hydrating salve made from aloe, mint, and another endemic Skylian plant, making the balm cool to the touch. Maris opened the flask and brought it to her face, smelling the refreshing scent. Melvian had told her that salve would be useful for their skin, especially if they were exposed to the sun for countless hours, but it could also be used for massages.

Last night, she enjoyed talking with the queen, exploring the many things they could do and her possible allegiances with the other Kingdoms. Rhea could help import more plant life, while Harmonia and Vulcan could give them more resources, such as tools, not to mention all the ships the Sky Kingdom could lend to transport those tools. Rebuilding would be a priority.

Maris’s eyes sparkled with every word said by the queen. She loved spending those intimate moments with her and longed for more before their day started.

Turning back to Valda, she noticed her back was exposed, her muscles shaped into a delicious artwork of strength. Maris’s hands itched to feel the ripples of power under her fingertips. The queen was still sleeping on her stomach, murmuring something while extending her hand, patting the space where Maris had slept.

With a sneaky grin, Maris made her way back to bed and carefully crawled on top of Valda. Her supple thighs straddled her waist, securely trapping the larger body underneath her.

For a split second, Valda stiffened, her eyes flying open, but as soon as she registered Maris’s hands drawing soft circles on her back, she relaxed under the gentle caress.

“It’s me,” Maris whispered. Her right hand traced the soft dip of Valda’s back dimples while the left one held on to the small flask.

“Good morning, Seashell.” Valda’s deep, sleepy voice shivered through Maris’s body.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” Maris teased, rubbing agonizingly slowly against the back of Valda’s powerful thighs.

“Did you rest well, Maris?”

“I did. And you?”

“I did. I would complain about the size of the bed, but it being smaller had its positive side.”

Maris arched her eyebrow. “Oh?”

Valda nodded, snuggling closer to her pillow. “The smaller the bed, the closer we were. The night wasn’t that cold.”

Maris canted her head and ran her hand over the rippling muscles on Valda’s back. “True.” She removed her hand and opened the flask, giving it one final sniff. “We should get you ready for the day.”

Valda grunted and shifted again, making Maris almost lose her balance on top of her. “It’s too early.”

“Ah, yes. Yet, if the weather is anything like it was yesterday, it will be hot. Burning hot. That can surely cause you some skin problems. We need to get you ready to face the day now.” She looked down at Valda’s naked back. “I can see that the sun was pretty harsh on your skin.” She trailed the red lines on Valda’s neck. Although Valda’s skin was tough and resistant, she could distinguish several tan lines around her neck and shoulders.

“I didn’t know you had the ability to forecast the weather,” Valda teased, relaxing under the soothing caresses.

Maris chuckled. “It’s just an observation. Besides, how good would I be if I am not taking care of my queen?”

“Even if you weren’t my assistant—”

“New Agenor’s representative, actually,” Maris corrected.

“Representative,” Valda began again. “Even if you weren’t New Agenor’s representative, you would still be a good girl.” Valda grinned against the pillow.