The traces of snow had completely disappeared and the people were thrilled with this new year’s beginning. The unprecedented things were happening and they were standing at the doorstep of a new era.

Oasis was thriving with activity, the people were creative enough to create the merchandise to support Prince Eric. He was a heartthrob for the ladies of all ages and the symbol of trust and honor for the men.

Nox flew above the towns, its eyes focusing on the people and the energies that were around. It was on the lookout for the dark mana activity. It had successfully spotted the dark mage last time and this time it was ambitious enough to get to the new coven.

Kai was bored sitting in the mansion all day, it wasn’t a bad thing but the second Trial was the next day and everyone else was busy except for him.

He went to Ocean’s office thinking he might get to have some work but even there the others were busy and he was only able to sit on the couch watching them while drinking tea.

Roan looked at Kai who sat munching the cookies with his fifth cup of tea.

Roan felt bad for the poor boy, he finished the paperwork he was doing and carried it to Ocean’s desk. He placed it down, glanced once at Kai and then leaned close to Ocean who was writing something at blinding speed.

"Young Master seems bored," Roan spoke in a low voice.

Ocean hummed, unattentive at first but then he stopped writing and looked at Kai. He wasn’t allowed to play around with Eric since the interaction was prohibited, and Nox, Sol and Davian were also not in the mansion for him to spend time with.

"Kai," Ocean called and Kai’s ears perked up at once.

He looked at Ocean, completely attentive.

"Yes, Master!"

Ocean’s eyes softened and he said, "Why don’t you go and visit Eldarf for a while? I’m sure Sol and the others would love to have you there."

"Is it all right for me to go like that?" Kai asked and Ocean smiled.

"Of course, and also bring them some sweets and you could stay the night if you want. Take Asher with you." Ocean said and Kai beamed.

"Yes, Ma-Father!" Kai grinned and Ocean chuckled softly as he watched Kai jump to his feet before leaving his office.

After a while, Enora entered Ocean’s office with a tray of tea and some refreshments.

"How are the Princes?" Ocean asked as he leaned back in his chair stretching his arms above his head.

Enora brewed the tea for while she answered, "They are training in the ground with some of our knights."

Ocean rose to his seat, frowning slightly, "Both of them?"

Enora nodded and handed him the teacup as he plopped down on the couch.

"That’s new."

Enora hummed handing a cup of tea to Roan and then continued pouring in three more cups for the other three aides as they all took a break and came to sit down comfortably on the armchairs. Roan took his seat beside Ocean while the other three sat down on the armchairs.

"He must be ashamed that he couldn’t even fight properly the other day." Blake spoke as he popped a cookie into his mouth.

"Just one day’s practice is useless to master the combat." Julio muttered before he deeply inhaled the aroma of the tea.

"Still, it’s better than nothing." Esme said as she took a bite of the cake, instantly smiling.

Ocean finished his tea almost too quickly before he sighed and lay on his back with his head over Roan’s lap.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

"You’re not using your lap for anything, let it work as my pillow for a while." Ocean spoke as he closed his eyes and the three aides including Enora chuckled.

Roan sighed almost exasperatedly before he sipped his tea trying not to look at the alluring face that was right in his vision.

"Where’s Remi?" He asked and Enora hummed looking at him.

"He went to collect mail, he’ll be here-"

Just then, as if on cue, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in, Remi." Ocean called and the door opened.

Remi walked in with a smile and a few envelopes in his hands. His eyes searched for Ocean before landing on Roan and then on Ocean who slept with his head on Roan’s lap.

Remi tilted his head.

"Master, are you tired? You should move to you chambers. We will handle the work." Remi said and Ocean waved his hand.

"No, I’m just getting a shut eye for a few minutes." He said, his voice growing lower with each word.

Within a few seconds, he fell asleep and the others looked at each other.

"Mr Roan is pretty lucky to have Master sleep on his lap like this." Remi commented.

Roan’s cheeks flushed a little and he averted his eyes sipping his tea.

"You can switch places, if you want." He spoke.

"With who?" Enora asked quietly making Roan to stare at her.

She gave him a smile before she stood back up and his eyes widened as he realised that she had it figured out apparently.

The three aides didn’t notice it and only chuckled silently.

Remi shook his head and Roan placed his cup down and stretched his hand to Remi for the mail.

Remi looked a little confused and ended up placing his hand in Roan’s making him flush bright red and the aides to look at them quizzically while Enora smiled.

"I meant the mail." Roan corrected and Remi blinked, his cheeks going red slightly as he realised his mistake and quickly replaced his hand with the mail.

Roan checked the envelopes, one of the letter was from Shadowcliff, one from Montaire family, and one with a royal seal.

Roan sighed before he placed the envelopes down and leaned back against the backrest. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

After the break was finished the three aides returned to their desks, Enora gathered the cups into the tray and walked out of the office leaving Remi and Roan with sleeping Ocean.

"I can trade places if you want." Remi spoke in a low voice to Roan.

Roan shook his head and mouthed, "If he’s moved he’ll wake up, let him be."

Remi simply shrugged and Roan closed his eyes placing his temple against his fist while his elbow rested over the headrest.

Remi took a seat on the armchair watching Ocean’s sleeping face. His long blue hair spilled like water over Roan’s thick thighs, his skin radiated the glow of moonlight, thick aqua blue eyelashes lowered reaching his cheeks and cherry blossom hued lips slightly parted.

He looked more like a dream than reality. Remi watched him and then almost flinched as a hand blocked his view. He lifted his eyes to meet with Roan’s.

His thick eyebrows were furrowed slightly. Remi gestured for him to remove his hand and Roan rolled his eyes.

He felt jealous watching Remi gaze so intently at Ocean, he knew Ocean was breathtaking but that fact didn’t ease his mind.

"He’ll wake up," Roan mouthed and Remi frowned.

"I’m not touching him." Remi mouthed.

"Doesn’t matter, he’s always alert, don’t you know? If you stare so intently, he will wake up."

"How ridiculous!" Remi almost snorted and Roan simply put both his hands out to block Ocean’s face from Remi’s view.

"Go and do some work." Roan mouthed and Remi frowned deeply before he humped getting to his feet.

"I’ll put five times pepper in his meal." Remi muttered as he left the office.

Roan removed his hands and almost had a heart attack as he looked down.

Ocean’s eyes were open and he was looking right at Roan. A corner of his lips curled up and a mischievous smirk replaced the serene sight from a moment ago.

Roan quickly averted his eyes as if he was scared that Ocean might figure out his secret. But it was too late.

"Didn’t see that coming." Ocean muttered bas he sat up watching the door and then back at Roan.

Roan quickly got to his feet and staggered a little as his feet had fallen asleep.

"Y-You have mailed, and there’s also a one from the palace." Roan spoke and quickly walked over to his desk while Ocean stood up taking his time and stretched his body.

He looked at the three letters that were on the table and put the one with royal seal down before opening the one from Lord Oberon first. He read the contents of the letter before he picked up the letter with Montaire family’s seal and after pondering for a moment he put it down unopened and moved to the one with the royal seal.

He broke up the seal and plucked the letter out before reading the contents.

A small smile broke over his lips and Roan shuddered watching it.

"Wha-What is it?" He asked.

Ocean waved the letter, "The Queen wants to see me urgently."