A trip that was only supposed to last three days lasted longer than you thought. You had been at the Trancy Estate for a week, and every night, Alois would stay in your bed instead of his own. He wouldn't even sleep unless you were in bed with him. He would wake up before you most mornings and leave you alone in the room, but this morning was different.

When you woke up, Alois was still in the bed, but he was awake, looking down at you with an expression you hadn't seen on him yet. He was smiling but serenely. His hand was playing with the ends of your hair, and he looked happy. In his eyes, the light had entered the room and hit your body just right to make it glow.

   " Alois. . ."

   " Good morning. "

His voice was calm and even, certainly not like how it usually is. Typically, his voice is full of fun and cheer, but this morning he was calm as if he had no care in the world.

   " Umm, good morning. Usually you're out of bed by now. "

   " I decided to wait. The sun entered the room in such a way, that you look angelic. You're glowing, and I couldn't leave such a beautiful sight. "

Alois tucked your hair behind your ear, his touch gentle. You were unsure of the situation, but for once, you had heard a compliment from him that wasn't laced with an insult. Slowly, you pushed yourself to sit on the bed, and you looked down at Alois, who stayed leaning against his elbow on the pillow.

   " Thank you. I guess I shall be getting up now. We can finally discuss those plans over breakfast. "

Before you could pull the sheets off your body, Alois pulled your body back down to lay on the bed. He hugged you to his chest, with his chin resting on your head.

   " Let's rest for a bit longer. I'm still sleepy. "

   " Wouldn't Claude be mad? "

   " So? I am his highness. He shall do as I say in the end. "

You didn't try to push Alois away, seeing as he was being stubborn, and you knew you wouldn't be able to get up. Instead, you relaxed on the bed and rested against Alois, falling back asleep. Alois was still sleeping when you woke up, but his hold on you was light. You quickly slipped out of his arms and walked to the bathroom, changing into your day clothes. You opened your bedroom door but stopped before you went into Claud's chest. Claude stood in front of your door, with his fist raised to knock on what was the closed door.

   " Oh, good morning. "

   " Good morning. Is my master still sleeping? "

   " Yes, he is. "

   " Then I shall take him to his room, dress him, and wake him up. BReakfast is ready in the dining hall. "

   " Thank you. "

You let Claude inside, and he picked up Alois like he weighed nothing. Claude carried the man, in a bridal fashion, through the door, and down the hallway. You walked downstairs and ate a quick breakfast before heading to the library. You had sent Mary a letter asking for more clothes and some papers to work on some time ago. Now, you could work while staying at the Trancy Manor, waiting to discuss a project. The library was peaceful; as you worked, there was no sound within the room, and you could get a lot of work done. In addition, Hannah would sometimes enter the library to clean, and when she did, you would talk with her while she cleaned. You could have intellectual conversations with Hannah; she reminded you of a philosopher who had studied for years.

   " Excuse me, my lady, but my master requires you at this moment. " 

You looked toward the door and saw Claude standing at the library's entrance. You noticed that his posture was always proper and his back always straight. Sebastian moved like he was confident in everything he did, but Claude looked like he moved only when he had a purpose. You stood from the table and followed Claude toward Alois's office, much larger than you originally thought. Claude opened the door, and you stepped inside while Claude shut the door and stayed outside his office.

Alois was slumped over his desk at his desk, with stacks of paper on his left and right sides. After hearing the door close and open, Alois sat up in his chair and leaned back, relaxing in the chair. He threw his arms outward and stayed as if he were waiting for something.

   ' Does he want me to hug him? '

You were unsure, but you didn't know what else he could have meant by his actions. You stepped forward and went behind his desk. Alois turned his chair to face you, and as soon as you were close, he leaned forward and wrapped you in his arms. His arms wrapped around your waist while his head laid against your stomach.

   " There's too much paper work. I'm already bored. "

   " Paper work is boring, but it has to be done. "

   " I know that. It's just boring papers of scammers trying to request more money from me and then run off or try to continue the scam. They think I'm stupid and don't realize what they're doing. Yet, there's still paperwork over the matter. "

You had no idea why, but you felt the sudden urge to pet the man holding you. So you raised your hand and started to pet him, running your hand through his blonde hair and playing with it. Alois leaned into your gesture and relaxed against your body, even more, snuggling his head against your stomach.

   " You're more interesting than these bloody papers. I didn't want to leave the bed this morning either, but Claude carried me to my own room. "

   " Maybe it's for the best that you do stay in your own room. That way, all of your clothes are there, and you wouldn't have to worry about going to your room to change since you'll be in your room. "

   " It would be easy, but I like sleeping in your bed. I find that I can't sleep in my own bed anymore, after feeling how comfortable and warm yours is. "

   " Then, why don't you take that room, and I take a separate room? That way, you can move your stuff into there, and I can move my stuff into my room. "

   " That's a good idea, but too much work. "

   " You could have someone else do the work. "

   " It would be easier not to move anything and keep things how they are. "

You sighed, stopped petting his hair, and let him keep hugging you, but he didn't appreciate that you had stopped dotting on him.

   " I didn't tell you to stop. "

   " Then, say please. "

   " What? "

   " Ask me, but say please, and then I'll continue petting your hair. "

   " Why should I have to ask, or even say please? This is my estate--"

   " At which I am residing. Please, don't make this harder on yourself. All I want is to hear you say please, because if you keep commanding me to do things, I'm not sure I will stay here much longer. "

Alois was surprised. Usually, people would do as he said when he commanded it; even guests would do as he wished in fear of being kicked out. But you bit back and threatened to leave. Then, after thinking for a while, you could hear his tiny voice speak.

   " Please, rub my head more. "

   " Certainly. "

You continued your action of running your hand through his hair and petting him. You remained in his office, hugging for a while until your legs started to hurt. Even then, he pulled a chair behind his desk for you to sit in while he worked. You brought your work from the library and worked in his office while he worked on his papers. Claude kept watch of the two of you, and he was intrigued by how hard Alois was now working after having hugged you and had even been threatened by you.

   " I've never seen his highness work so earnestly. He would always leave the paper work to you, but he is working feverishly. " 

Besides Claude, Hannah was watching too, and she was surprised. Usually, around this time, Alois would leave his paper work, but right now, he seemed to work feverishly. Alois didn't even look that tired anymore.

   " Maybe that woman's presence isn't as much as a detriment than I thought. " Claude said, looking into the room.