The early morning light barely crept into the room, casting a soft, muted glow through the heavy curtains of the king's guest chamber. The room was still shrouded in a comfortable darkness, the air thick with the warmth of sleep. The bed, wide and luxurious, sprawled beneath the three of them. Vanisa rested at the side, her green hair fanned out against the pillow like a cascade of leaves. To her left, Liza slept soundly, her soft breathing filling the silence. Gray, nestled between them, lay on his back, still lost in the remnants of his dreams.
As the minutes passed, the subtle shift of light teased Gray awake. His eyelids fluttered, the world slowly coming into focus as he stirred, rolling to his right side. His gaze fell upon Vanisa, who was already awake, her green eyes locked on him with a soft, quiet intensity. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, warm and inviting.