Time flowed into the morning. The gentle, pale yellow light of dawn filtered tentatively through the heavy, embroidered curtains of the bedroom, pushing back against the lingering shadows of the night. Kazien's eyes fluttered open, greeted by the soft, familiar sounds of the household beginning to stir-distant clinking from the kitchen and the faint cry of a morning bird outside.
The first thing he saw was Ritalia, still lying comfortably on his chest, her dark hair fanned out across his collarbone. She was already awake, gazing up at him with a wide, innocent smile that seemed to capture the very essence of the morning light. It was a look of pure contentment and utterly undiluted adoration. He turned his head slightly to the right. Alvin was also awake, resting on his side, watching them both with that familiar, steady, loving gaze and a soft smile of his own. His eyes held a gentle patience, acknowledging the unique complexity of the scene.
Mwah!
Alvin leaned across Ritalia and pressed a long, tender kiss to Kazien's lips-a deliberate, deeply affectionate gesture and their traditional morning greeting. It was a daily ritual, a confirmation of their bond that always filled Kazien with a sense of deep happiness and an unshakeable sense of belonging. The warmth of the kiss was a grounding contrast to the childish intensity of Ritalia's presence.
"My dear, good morning," Alvin murmured, his voice low and intimate.
"Good morning to you too, Alvin," Kazien replied, his voice still thick with sleep but laced with affection.
Then, without warning or hesitation, Ritalia mirrored Alvin's actions precisely. She leveraged her small body upward, her movements still uncoordinated and heavy with sleep, and pressed her lips to his.
Mwah!
Time seemed to slow, to hesitate, in that brief instant as Ritalia's small, soft kiss landed on his mouth. Kazien stared into his sister's wide, earnest eyes, a feeling of mild disbelief and profound tenderness swirling in his heart. He couldn't quite believe that his sister, in her sleepy state and fully aware of Alvin's action, was perfectly imitating the tender intimacy that Alvin always shared with him. It was a mimicry born not of malice or understanding, but of a deep, simple desire to participate in every facet of her brother's life.
"My handsome Brother, good morning." Ritalia greeted him softly, a triumphant, dimpled smile blooming on her face, completely oblivious to the complexity of her action.
"G-Good morning to you too, Ritalia." Kazien stammered, his mind still catching up to the sudden shift in the morning's atmosphere. He managed to return her smile, though his own felt a little stiff.
He tried to sit up, needing to move, to begin the complicated process of departure, but Ritalia, sensing the slightest movement that would separate them, tightened her grip instantly.
She was a stubborn little thing when she wanted to be-a velvet fist. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and secured her legs around his waist, refusing to budge from his chest. The soft pressure of her weight, though not painful, was insistent.
Feeling that he had no other recourse, and knowing this was the final morning of such indulgence, Kazien simply conceded. He sat up slowly, then rose to his feet, scooping Ritalia into his arms. He carried her like a small, precious burden toward the dressing room and then the bathroom, with Alvin walking easily by his side, ready to hand him a towel or a razor, his presence a comforting, practical assurance.
As he prepared for the journey, the gravity of the day weighed heavily on Kazien. I am going to leave her today, Kazien thought, the realization settling like a cold stone in his stomach. I'm leaving the only world she has ever known for a place she can't follow.
A flicker of guilt and worry crossed his mind. Will this behavior of mine, this final, excessive indulgence, make her angry later? Will she interpret my willingness to spoil her as a sign that I don't truly want to leave? Will she resent me for pouring so much affection into her, only to break away?
He knew that this process of separation and attention would continue to be both a cure and a potential dependency. He had to believe that his foundation of unconditional love was strong enough to withstand this temporary separation.
They moved back into the bedroom once he was fully dressed in his sturdy travel tunic and leather breeches, the morning light now streaming brightly through the large windows, illuminating the fine dust motes dancing in the air. Alvin was meticulously checking their small satchels for travel documents and extra coin.
"Ritalia, we'll be heading down for breakfast soon." he said, gently jostling her in his arms, feeling the soft curve of her cheek against his shoulder. "Are you planning on sitting on my lap the entire time?"
She clutched his shirt tighter, her voice a plea, small and desperate. "I want to sit on your lap until you both leave for the capital. I want to feel you here until the very last minute. Please, Brother... just a little longer." Her eyes were brimming, but she was fighting the tears, trying to maintain her brave façade.
He couldn't refuse her. Not this final request. He sat down on the edge of the bed and placed her on his knee. He couldn't help himself; he plunged his fingers into her sides and began to gently tickle her, trying to replace the tension with laughter. The beautiful girl erupted in a peal of delighted, uncontrollable laughter as his fingers chased across her sensitive skin, her resistance dissolving into helpless giggles.
"You are such a little tyrant of affection." he teased, his own voice full of warmth and amusement. "You are so clingy with me, aren't you?"
"Is it wrong to be clingy with you?" she countered, trying to catch her breath between bursts of giggles. "You're the only person who always listens!"
"Who said it was wrong? Absolutely no one!" he replied, stopping the tickling and holding her close again, his arms a strong cage of comfort. "I promised you I would always pampering you, didn't I? I intend to keep that promise, Ritalia. No distance can change that."
Ritalia beamed, an explosion of pure joy lighting up her face as she rested securely in the safety of his arms. It was a look of total, unadulterated devotion.
He truly is the best! Ritalia mused, her heart overflowing with gratitude and love, the silent intensity of her emotion almost overwhelming. I am so incredibly lucky to be his sister. Even though I'm adopted, and I know I have no legal claim to his protection, he has always treated me as if I were his own flesh and blood-with fierce protection, endless patience, and lavish generosity. It would be a lie to say I don't love and admire him. He is my entire world, the brightest star in my sky.
Unfortunately, a bittersweet, profound thought surfaced, a mature resignation settling unexpectedly into her young mind, I can't have him as my husband. That intense, adult kind of bond is already taken by brother Alvin, and he is destined for the wider world, for the Academy. I have to be content with this sibling relationship, this bond of shared history and pure affection. But even if it's only as his little sister, bound by love and not law, I feel incredibly blessed. I am so happy just to be his.
"Brother..." she said calmly, leaning in and placing a soft, possessive kiss on his cheek this time. "Thank you. Thank you for everything. I love you."
Kazien held her, closing his eyes briefly, letting the complex, powerful, and utterly unconditional love for his sister settle deep into his bones.
He had to leave, the duty to his future and his education calling him forward, but he knew, with profound certainty, that he was leaving a part of his heart behind, and that he would return to claim it.