* * *
“Ed, did you sleep well?”
“Yes, Your Grace. And you?”
“Hmm, I slept fine, but…”
The Duke gazed at Ed’s half-lidded eyes, then draped his leg over Ed’s thigh, pulling him closer.
The movement caused Ed’s body to press snugly against the Duke’s, as the blanket was gently drawn up over them both.
“Let’s sleep just a bit longer.”
The Duke didn’t open his eyes again until around noon.
As soon as he awoke, he glanced to his side and found Ed still peacefully asleep, his breaths soft and even.
He examined him closely, checking for any signs of discomfort or pain.
His gaze landed on faint bruises left on Ed’s pale skin, prompting a small, regretful click of his tongue.
‘I was cautious because it was his first time… and because of the child… but in the end, I lost control midway.’
Blaming himself for his lack of restraint, the Duke carefully tucked the blanket around Ed and quietly got out of bed.
‘To ensure Ed is safely seated as the Duchess, I must first declare his pregnancy as sacred. Then, I’ll need His Majesty’s approval. As for the wedding…’
The Duke’s thoughts trailed off as he braced both hands on the bed and gazed down at Ed, who lay peacefully under the sunlight, his expression serene.
‘Ed, the path before me is entirely unforeseen, but as long as you’re with me, it will be as bright and warm as a sunlit afternoon, without a single shadow in sight.’
Lowering his head, the Duke gently pressed a kiss to Ed’s lips, savoring the sweetness of his soft breaths.
By late afternoon, Ed finally opened his eyes and found himself meeting the gaze of Ronen, who sat in a chair, quietly watching him.
“Ed, did you sleep well?”
The soft, whisper-like tone of Ronen’s voice was unlike his usual demeanor, leaving Ed slightly puzzled as he answered.
“Did I oversleep?”
“No, it’s fine. If you’re unwell, you should rest as much as you need.”
Despite his words, Ronen’s joy at seeing Ed awake was obvious—his legs fidgeted with barely contained excitement.
He had been gloomy after not seeing Ed’s face the day before and would have been disappointed to miss out again.
‘If only Roa could’ve greeted him too.’
Though there was a tinge of regret, Ronen recalled his earlier conversation with his brother when they crossed paths after leaving Ed’s room.
“Ed needs more rest, so it’s best if Roa greets him later.
When he wakes up, ask him if he wants anything to eat and let the kitchen know.
Make sure they’re ready to prepare a meal for him.”
As Ed sat up in bed, a faint cough escaped him.
Remembering his brother’s request to take good care of Ed, Ronen quickly got up and fetched the glass of water from the table.
“Here, Ed.”
“Thank you, young master.”
As Ed sipped the water, Ronen hovered close, continuing to chat.
“Are you hungry? Is there anything you’d like to eat?”
“I don’t feel hungry yet, probably because I just woke up. Everyone always takes such good care of me that I don’t feel a particular craving for anything. What about you, young master? Have you eaten?”
Although Ronen had already eaten a hearty meal with his brother earlier, he couldn’t help but worry.
“I ate plenty earlier with my brother, so don’t worry about me. But if you feel like eating anything later, promise me you’ll tell either me or him, okay? Promise!”
When Ronen extended his pinky, Ed reached out and intertwined their fingers.
Ronen’s genuine concern and worry for Ed, who had been bedridden, was evident.
“Yes, I’ll be sure to let you know.”
Satisfied, Ronen grinned brightly, gave Ed’s hand a light shake, and stood up.
‘His cheeks are red, and he’s coughing—he must have caught a cold. His eyes are swollen too.’
Though Ed was already wrapped in soft, warm clothing, Ronen pulled the blanket higher to ensure he stayed warm and added more logs to the fireplace.
‘And what else…’
After a moment of thought, Ronen’s face lit up as he exclaimed, “Wait here, Ed!”
He dashed out of the room and hurried down the corridor, intending to inform his brother that Ed was awake.
As he descended the stairs, he ran into the Duke.
“Brother! Ed is awake now.”
“I was just about to check on him. Thanks to you, I can save myself the trip.”
“But… do you think he’s very sick? His eyes are swollen, and his voice sounds weak. He’s not even hungry. I’m worried he might have caught a cold.”
The Duke gently patted Ronen’s head and, after a brief pause, replied, “You must be really worried about Ed. But don’t fret too much; he’ll recover soon. I’ll prepare something to help him regain his strength. In the meantime, why don’t you keep him company so he doesn’t feel lonely?”
“Of course! I’m good at that.”
“Thank you, Ronen.”
“By the way, what about Roa? Can’t he play with Ed yet?”
“Let’s wait until Ed is feeling better before deciding that. Also, remember how I asked you to open and close the door quietly and to call for him gently?”
“So Ed doesn’t get startled—got it!”
“With you around, I feel reassured. Take good care of him, Ronen.”
“Don’t worry, Brother!”
Returning to the room, Ronen slipped a hand into his cardigan pocket and felt the crinkle of a note. Pulling it out, he murmured to himself.
‘A wish list?’
- Playtime with His Grace.
- A picnic with close friends.
- Falling asleep while His Grace reads a storybook aloud.
- Making cookies or a cake together with His Grace.
‘This was Ed’s wish list…’
Ronen remembered the day he accompanied Roa to Ed’s room, only to find him asleep.
Quietly exiting, he had noticed a small piece of paper stuck to Roa’s fluffy fur.
Realizing it was Ed’s handwriting, Ronen had initially intended to return it, but after reading its contents, he couldn’t help but keep it in his pocket.
Since then, he had worked to fulfill Ed’s wishes—arranging picnics on the hill and giving Ed and his brother moments to spend together.
But it still didn’t feel like enough.
Thinking of Ed’s recent frailty, Ronen slumped his shoulders.
‘Even after spending happy times together, Ed still got sick.’
Puffing his cheeks with frustration, Ronen’s determination reignited.
‘Then I’ll give Ed even happier moments! Ones that’ll heal both his body and heart!’
Clenching his fists, Ronen tucked the note securely into his pocket and headed back to Ed’s room.
Opening the door carefully, he found Ed standing by the desk, no longer in bed.
“Ed! You shouldn’t be up if you’re still unwell.”
“Were you very worried, young master? I’m feeling much better now, really.”
“Really?”
When Ed gave a small nod, he handed a gift box to Ronen.
“What’s this, Ed?”
“I should’ve given this to you yesterday, but I couldn’t. Happy birthday, young master Ronen.”
“…Oh.”
Ronen blinked in surprise.
‘Yesterday, a party was held at the northern castle. The banquet hall was bustling with people and overflowing with delicious food, and the protagonist of the celebration was none other than himself.’
For the first time, he received numerous birthday greetings—something he had never experienced while at the Count’s estate.
It was all the more enjoyable because his older brother was by his side.
However, the one who had actually organized the party, Ed, was nowhere to be seen.
Throughout the event, Ronen kept glancing around in search of Ed, only to learn later from his brother that Ed had been resting in his room.
“Ed has already given me the greatest gift,” Ronen had said with a smile.
“Has he?” his brother replied.
“Of course! Ed was the one who planned this entire party, wasn’t he? I heard all about it from you!”
Unable to bring himself to unwrap the gift he had received, Ronen added with sincerity.
Ed, smiling softly, replied:
“I didn’t do it alone. The Grand Duke led the effort, and everyone in the northern castle worked hard to make it happen.”
“…”
“So, if you feel deeply grateful, rather than thanking me alone, it would be lovely to express your appreciation to everyone who contributed. What do you think, young master?”
As Ed’s words sank in, Ronen nodded enthusiastically.
* * *
🥰🥰