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Sweet Home (Part 4)
When I woke up the next day, the sky was clear again. The peaceful breeze and birds’ chirps came through the window, whisking the clear scent of grass and flowers to me. I opened my eyes. Long blonde hair brushed my cheeks. Mommy Vyvyan was deep asleep with me in her arms.
Mom seldom woke after me. Usually, Mommy Vyvyan would be awake and looking at me. Though it was quite frightening to have somebody looking at you with such passion upon waking every morning, I eventually considered it par for the course. I was used to it. That was why I was barely surprised.
Mom suddenly opened her eyes. Her smile was one of happiness growing, much as a spring flower opens: “Good morning, Son.”
“Good morning, Mom.”
Mom was her usual self. That was the morning that was supposed to greet me in the elven lands.
Mom ran her hand down the side of my head then pulled me in for a hug. In a happy tone, she expressed, “This is the type of morning that I want. It’s lonely without my son. It’s lonely at night and lonely when waking up. I forget what I’m supposed to do when I wake up. Seeing the empty ceiling and lonely surrounding feels as though I’m the only person left in the world…”
I comforted Mom, reciprocating her hug: “That won’t happen Mom. That won’t happen. I’ll always be by your side. Always.”
Mommy Vyvyan sat up: “You’re right, Son. You’re by my side at the moment. Needless to say, it would be even better if you could always be by my side. Get up, Son. Go see Vera and Nona, and then it’s time for breakfast. It’s been a long time since you’ve had Mommy’s breakfast, hasn’t it? Mommy will ensure you have your fill this time… Sadly, our time alone together has ended… Lucia is coming back today. To be honest, Mommy doesn’t really want to have her come back.”
I sat up. I watched Mom grab socks by the side. She sat on the bed and stretched out her long and ample legs and wore on her socks. The tight socks highlighted her magnificent legs’ contour. The early morning sun illuminated her legs. She pulled up her socks bit by bit with her slender fingers. Finally, she hooked her finger on the edge of the sock and tugged it up, which left a perfect ditch on her thighs.
I gently hugged Mom from behind. I rested my head on her shoulder and gently placed my finger on her thigh. I ran my finger along the smooth sock and her warm skin. I gently bit Mom’s ear and pressed my weight onto her from behind.
The corners of Mom’s mouth tugged up. She pressed her hand on my hand that was on her thigh. She looked over her shoulder in a sensual manner. Her blue eyes seemingly gleamed with gentleness comparable to water: “Son, it’s not wise to enjoy flirting so much. Additionally, aren’t you supposed to be feeling tired? Doesn’t that mean what you’re doing is a bit too much? Mommy’s afraid you won’t be able to brush it off if you arouse Mommy.”
I whispered, “Mom, just let me stay here. Please just let me rest on you for a bit, Mom… It’s been so long… since you’ve spoilt me…”
It had been so long since I had been able to rest on somebody’s shoulder in peace, wake up feeling so relaxed, sleep without any qualms and concerns and so long since I had been able to be affectionate in the morning.
The North was my territory. I, therefore, had to wake earlier than everyone else. I had countless things to worry about. I had to protect my family and my land. Respect everybody around me. Listen to everyone’s suggestions, lead, fulfil the shoes of King and fill the roles of a husband and father to an exemplary level. When I was by Mom’s side, however, I didn’t need to think about anything.
At Duargana, I was just Mommy Vyvyan’s son and an ordinary Prince. I could act spoilt whenever I pleased and run away whenever I pleased because Mom would help me sort out all my problems. Yesterday was a prime example. I didn’t need to do anything. I could leisurely stroll around the imperial palace all day. Nobody disturbed me, and I didn’t have any work. I thought I’d feel a little anxious, but I discovered that it wasn’t the case at all. All I felt was a sense of relief. Resting on Mom was another example. I could put aside all responsibilities and desires to just rest on Mom’s shoulder and have her spoil me.
Mom gave me a light kiss on my lips. I slowly responded. Mom tightly held my hand. She held it in a tender manner and refused to let go. Her kiss was warm as sunlight and sweet as honey. We separated a while later. Mom pinched my face playfully and then rose to her feet: “All right, all right now, Son. You can act spoilt later on. Mommy needs to go and prepare breakfast. Mommy knows you’re tired, so you don’t need to do anything or think about anything here. Mommy will protect you and take care of you.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
It had been a long time since Mom spoiled me. It had been a long time since I had the opportunity to relish being lazy. As Mom said, I didn’t need to do anything or think about anything in the elven lands. I just needed to entrust everything to Mom. She had never let me down.
Mom exited the room. I, too, left shortly after to go to my daughters’ room. The girls weren’t awake yet.  They weren’t used to not having their mom with them for the first night. The two of them lied in their cradle in a casual pose similar to a frog, thereby revealing their chubby thighs and arms. I pulled their blanket over them again then touched their chubby, tiny hands.
I sat down to one side and watched my girls sound asleep. I didn’t do anything, yet could feel the bliss of peace. I was content just being able to watch my girls.
Lucia gently opened the door. I stood up and peered over in the direction of the door. Lucia poked her small head in. She smiled when she saw me then came over with quick, yet silent, steps and threw herself into my arms. She snuggled up on my chest. In a tender voice, she said, “I’m Back, Your Highness, I’m back. Did you miss me?”
“Didn’t I tell you that I would?”
“That’s why I came back sooner. It seems I made it in time for breakfast. Ah, my Vera, my Nona, did you hear Mommy’s voice? Let Mommy hug you… Oh, Vera… Nona…”
The kids woke up as soon as Lucia came in. They were excited to see their mom. Lucia cheerfully hugged her girls, and they kissed her. Lucia carried her girls with her back to me. She softly laughed: “Your Highness, can you help me undo my tie?”
“Oh, sure.”
Everything was the same as yesterday….