Eventually, the distant, muffled sound of a bell ringing in the clock tower signaled the start of the day. Julian sighed, a small, reluctant sound.
"Lucius will be waking up soon," Julian reminded him, though he made no move to get up. "He'll want his breakfast, and we all have to eat together. And then I have to prepare for his morning lesson."
"Let Lucius wait," Alaric grumbled, shifting his weight to pin Julian more firmly to the mattress. He began to trail slow, sleepy kisses down Julian's neck, making the scholar shiver. "The Duke of the North declares this morning a holiday."
Julian laughed, a bright, genuine sound that echoed in the high-ceilinged room.
"You can't declare a holiday every time you don't want to get out of bed, Lucien."
"Watch me," Alaric countered, finally capturing Julian's lips in a kiss that tasted of sleep and a deep, unshakeable promise.
