Lariette initially thought she couldn't sleep well that night because the issue still weighed heavily in her mind and heart. Fortunately, no such thing happened.

The heating system was good. After changing her sweater into a loose cotton nightgown, Lariette went to bed. Ruediger also did the same.

Once she found a comfortable place in her beloved's arms, she quickly drifted to sleep. She even dreamed of having a huge feast befitting an empress.

Beef ravioli, butter chicken and rice, spicy tofu soup, s'mores croissant... and many more!

Everything was served on the huge dining table before her. She ate happily, biting and gnawing the food as handsome waiters brought plates upon plates to her.

Until her body clock forced her to wake up.

"Mm..."

Lariette squinted her eyes, hoping to resume sleeping, but the remaining drowsiness wasn't enough to pull her back to the dreamland. Still muddleheaded, the image of the fancy feast was distorted by the need to return to reality.

Reluctant to give up, Lariette pouted and shook her head. The tip of her nose grazed something warm and sturdy. Then, she faintly recalled the familiar scent around her.

"...mm?"

Groaning, Lariette rubbed her face with her eyes still closed. She shook her head again and turned to lie on her back. After some time, she managed to lift her eyelids.

Without her realizing it, someone had been watching her movements with amusement flickering in his eyes.

"Finally woke up, my love?"

"...Eddy? Mm... what time is it?"

"Almost six. Time to make breakfast."

Lariette turned her face to the right, following the familiar sound of Ruediger's voice. The bedroom was still dark, only faintly illuminated by the white glow of the bedside table.

And then, she saw him.

Ruediger was lying on one side, propping up one elbow to support his head. With his bangs hanging loosely over his forehead and the lazy smile on his lips, he looked more relaxed.

But...

Lariette narrowed her eyes, thinking something was not right with the way he stared and smiled at her. Her scalp suddenly numbed.

"...what? Did I kick you while I slept? Or did I conquer the blanket alone?"

One corner of Ruediger's lips lifted higher once she questioned him. He smirked and continued staring at her without saying anything.

Then, he pulled the V-neck collar of his sweater down. The action revealed his distinct collarbones and the upper part of his chest.

Lariette swallowed. While racking her brain, she blinked and looked from Ruediger's smiling face down to his exposed chest.

Was he trying to seduce her?

But she didn't get such a feeling from his action.

"My dear Lettie," Ruediger finally spoke, his voice hinting of amusement as he took in the confused look on her face, "Were you that hungry? Did you dream of eating? You bit my chest."

Lariette jolted, and her eyes flung open wider. Incredulous, she blinked rapidly. With a frown, she stared at Ruediger's face before her eyes fell on his chest again.

"Here... here... here. You bit quite hard, you know? Are you actually a cat?"

Although the table lamp was not very bright, Lariette could still make out the red specks on Ruediger's collarbones and chest. Those marks were strikingly similar to when she purposely left hickeys on him.

"...I didn't mean to. Haha... sorry..."

Lariette covered her face and scooted backward. Ruediger's lazy yet intense gaze was still on her. Sensing danger, she quickly turned, eager to escape the bed.

But she was one second too late.

"E-Eddy!"

Lariette yelped once Ruediger pulled her back, his arms circled her waist sturdily. She tried to wriggle free, but it seemed like he was so adamant to settle scores with her.

His low and throaty chuckle echoed from behind. His warm breath caressed her neck when he whispered next into her ear, "Care to share what you ate in your dream?"

Lariette blinked, unable to think straight as her heart pounded so hard within the confines of her chest. She laughed awkwardly, "Haha... too many to name."

"Oh? Too many to name?"

"Eddy!"

In a swift motion, Ruediger pulled down the wide collar of Lariette's nightgown, revealing her round shoulder and the upper part of her smooth back. His eyes glinted dangerously.

Lariette squirmed, but was unable to get away. A rosy tint flushed on her cheeks when the man's warm lips left a trail of kisses on her skin. He even bit harder on certain spots.

"Eddy! Really!"

Once Ruediger loosened his arms around her, Lariette turned around, huffing and pouting while slapping his chest. He chuckled at the sight of her adorable look.

"What?" he arched one brow before giving a solution shamelessly, "Well, if you think it's unfair, feel free to bite me again. Go on, my dear."

"..."

Annoyed, the embarrassed Lariette kicked Ruediger's legs before quickly jumping out of the bed. Her cheeks puffed, "No! You'll like it! Anyway, go and make breakfast."

He teased, "You're not full yet? Haven't you eaten?"

"Not talking to you! Humph!"

"Hahaha!"

Ruediger's hearty laughter rang in the bedroom when Lariette hurriedly disappeared inside the washroom. She grumbled once she saw her reddened face reflected in the mirror.

This man!

She would get back at him soon!

In her annoyance, Lariette forgot to lock the washroom door. Ruediger, with a cheeky smile, stepped inside when she was washing her face.

After throwing him a glare, Lariette ignored Ruediger, who stood beside her. He chuckled before splashing water on his face. Then, he brushed his teeth as she had already gargled.

"W-what are you doing?"

Lariette had just wanted to leave when Ruediger suddenly trapped her between himself and the sink. She tried to slip under his arm, but he left no gap.

Ruediger calmly rinsed the toothbrush, gargled and washed his face again before finally looking at the puffing Lariette. He leaned closer with one brow arching.

"I haven't gotten my morning kiss yet."

In a swift motion, he scooped her up, placing her on the countertop. His smug smile was now perfectly aligned with her eye level.