The first rays of morning light didn’t have that piercing brightness.
It was more like a soft light filter someone had carefully adjusted, carrying a warm hue as it crept through the thin gauze curtains and onto the large, soft bed.
A trace of the night’s chill still lingered in the room, but that coolness was completely walled off by the warmth under the covers.
To Arthas, this bed this morning seemed to possess a magic that could thoroughly pull someone in.
Its comfort simply exceeded his cognitive limit of what a “bed” could be.
Back in Asgard, although the beds there were also laid with the finest velvet and cloud brocade, it always felt like something was missing.
Missing that…
sense of security, as if being tenderly wrapped up.
Moreover, the tactile sensation felt very wrong.
Usually, when he turned over, he should be brushing against a pillow or a quilt.
That feeling should be soft, with a bit of fabric texture.
But today, where his cheek brushed against, though also soft, that softness carried a startling elasticity.
There was also a warm body temperature.
He could even faintly smell a pleasant fragrance, like a mix of lavender and some kind of sweet milk.
This scent drilled straight into his nose, making him feel comfortable all over, as if even his bones were turning soft.
“Mm…” Arthas subconsciously let out a comfortable hum.
Like a little kitten sunbathing.
He buried his face further into that “soft cushion” and even mischievously rubbed against it a few times.
That bouncy, elastic feeling became even more apparent.
It was simply the most perfect pillow in the World.
Drowsily, he thought: What material is this pillow made of?
Why is it so comfortable?
When I go back, I must have Father get me the same one!
With this curiosity to find out more, Arthas’s long eyelashes fluttered a few times.
Then, those large amber eyes slowly opened a crack.
What met his eyes was a patch of white.
Not the ghastly white of a wall or a bedsheet, but a delicate white with a healthy luster, like the finest mutton-fat jade.
The visual impact was simply too strong.
So strong that Arthas’s originally groggy brain felt as if a bucket of cold water had been splashed on it, causing it to crash instantly.
He froze.
The open crack grew wider bit by bit, finally turning into a standard circle.
His pupils were contracting violently.
This…
what is this?
This seems to be…
His gaze slowly moved up along that “dazzling white.” Past the exquisite collarbone line, past the long, fair neck.
Finally, it fixed on a face.
It was a face that, even in sleep, was still breathtakingly beautiful.
Long black hair was scattered casually across the pillow.
Long eyelashes cast a small shadow under her eyelids, fluttering slightly with her breath.
Rosy lips were slightly parted, as if she were having some beautiful dream.
It was Diana, and a Diana from such a close distance.
So close that he could even count her eyelashes and feel her warm breath spraying onto his forehead.
Arthas was completely stunned.
He maintained that head-up posture, not daring to move a muscle.
His brain began to frantically replay fragments of last night.
The banquet…
dancing…
kissing under the moon…
and then…
then he blacked out.
It seemed he was carried back?
But…
why would Sister Diana be here?
And…
in this bed?
Holding me?
He carefully lowered his head to confirm the current situation once more.
He saw that he was curled up in Diana’s embrace.
His head was pillowed on her arm.
His two hands were still tightly clutching the collar of her thin nightgown.
This posture…
was simply ambiguous to the extreme!
Holy crap!
What’s the situation here?
This distance is way too much!
Men and women shouldn’t be this close!
If Sister Hippolyta saw this, would she break my legs?
Arthas’s little heart began to thud wildly.
Faster than when his divine power awakened.
He nervously swallowed his saliva.
His gaze couldn’t help but steal another glance downward.
Fortunately, although the nightgown was a bit loose, she was still properly dressed.
That patch of white was only because the neckline was slightly low; no indescribable scenes appeared.
Phew…
scared me to death.
I thought I had accidentally done something bad.
After all, I drank some wine…
no, that was fruit juice.
He let out a long sigh of relief in his heart.
He was glad he was still young and that Sister Diana was decently dressed.
However, just as that sense of relief welled up, another stranger, more subtle emotion followed.
Was it…
a tiny bit of faint disappointment?
Or…
a regret of “is that all”?
Arthas was startled by his own rebellious thoughts.
He shook his head vigorously, like a rattle-drum.
Trying to shake these strange ideas out of his head.
Arthas, oh Arthas!
What are you thinking!
You’re only seven years old!
How can you have such thoughts?
Too degenerate!
Too impure!
You’re going to be an upright man!
An upright God King!
He gave himself a harsh scolding in his heart.
But those eyes seemed to have a mind of their own.
They were completely out of control.
Still staring fixedly at the sleeping face right in front of him.
No matter how he looked, no matter how many times he looked, Sister Diana was truly beautiful.
That beauty wasn’t the fragile kind, but a beauty full of vitality and vigor.
Even in sleep, one could feel the flourishing life force within her.
As he watched, Arthas’s gaze became somewhat infatuated.
That pure appreciation and affection made him completely forget how awkward the current situation was.
He even couldn’t help but stretch out a finger, wanting to poke that cheek that looked like it would feel great to touch.
Just as his finger was about to touch Diana’s skin, perhaps because his movement was too large, or because that direct gaze was too hot, Diana’s originally steady breathing rhythm suddenly changed.
Then, those eyelashes like butterfly wings fluttered violently a few times.
Then they slowly opened.
In those deep blue eyes was a patch of confusion at first.
As if she hadn’t fully woken up from her dream.
With a layer of misty haze, she looked incredibly cute and dazed.
But in the next second, when her gaze focused and she saw a magnified, cute little face staring straight at her, the confusion in her eyes instantly vanished, replaced by surprise.
Following that was a visible shyness and panic.
“Ah…” Diana subconsciously let out a short, low cry.
Her body jerked backward.
Those originally white-as-jade cheeks were quickly stained with a layer of crimson at an incredible speed, and even the tips of her ears turned completely red.
At this moment, Diana’s brain finally restarted.
Memories of last night came flooding back like a tide.
The details that had been blurred by alcohol and fatigue now became incomparably clear.
She remembered carrying the sleeping Arthas back to the room and placing him on the bed.
Seeing his still tightly furrowed brows in his sleep and his restless appearance, the sense of reluctance about the impending departure almost overwhelmed her.
She sat by the bed, stroking his head, watching him for a very, very long time.
The thought of wanting to accompany him a little longer and feel his presence more couldn’t be suppressed.
Coupled with the after-effects of those glasses of Amazonian Fruit Wine and the cool night breeze, she felt a trace of tiredness and loneliness.
And so…
by some strange impulse, or following her heart, she just lay down and took him into her arms.
The feeling of holding that warm, soft little body in her arms was simply too good.
So good that she unknowingly fell into a deep sleep.
Until now, on this bright and sunny morning, she was caught red-handed by the person involved.
Oh my god!
What have I done?
I actually…
actually climbed into his bed?
And held him while sleeping all night?
If this gets out, where will my face as a princess go?
And…
and he’s still so small!
Am I taking advantage of him?
No, am I kidnapping a child?
Diana’s inner self was simply collapsing.
That sense of shame made her wish she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.
She didn’t even dare to look into Arthas’s eyes.
She could only turn her head away, pretending to look at the scenery outside the window.
But this ostrich-like behavior only made it more obvious.
That flushed face under the Sun was like a ripe red apple.
It made one want to take a bite.
Arthas was originally a bit guilty himself.
But seeing Diana’s reaction, his precocious mischievousness instantly surfaced.
Since Sister is even shyer than me, I won’t be polite!
The tables have turned!
He propped up his upper body and deliberately leaned closer to Diana.
He even specifically brought his face to her already red ear.
With that little milky voice that was just awake and still a bit raspy, he asked extremely innocently, yet extremely provokingly: “Sister…” “Why is your face so red?” “Do you have a fever?” “Do you want me to check for you?” As he spoke, he actually reached out his hand, pretending to touch Diana’s forehead.
That tone of asking what he already knew was simply infuriating.
Diana was frozen by this sudden teasing.
That warm breath spraying on her ear made her feel like she had been zapped by electricity.
The hair all over her body stood up.
She turned her head sharply and met Arthas’s large eyes, which were full of playfulness and laughter.
Where was there any concern?
It was clearly a little fox showing off after a successful heist!
In that instant, the shyness in Diana’s heart instantly transformed into embarrassment-induced anger.
Fine!
You little brat!
You got a bargain and you’re still acting like a victim?
You dare to tease your sister?
I think you’re looking for a beating!
The competitiveness of an Amazonian Warrior and her dignity as an older sister instantly awakened.
“What nonsense are you talking about!” Diana shouted, trying to use her volume to cover her guilt.
She grabbed Arthas’s little hand that was trying to cause trouble and glared at him fiercely.
But there was no lethality in that gaze; it was all coquettish anger.
“I think you’ve slept yourself silly, haven’t you?” “Who’s blushing?” “I’m…
I’m just flushed from the Sun!” “Right!
It’s from the Sun!” This excuse was simply terrible.
But she was still stubborn as a dead duck, resolutely refusing to admit she was shy.
“And!” “You little brat!” “Clearly, you were restless in your sleep and kept trying to burrow into my arms!” “I was kind enough to coax you to sleep, and now you have the nerve to bite the hand that feeds you?” “Hurry up and get out of bed!” “The Sun is already burning your backside!” As she spoke, as if trying to hide something, she moved to pull Arthas out from under the covers.
How could Arthas possibly comply?
Being called a brat was simply an insult to his dignity as the Eldest Prince!
Besides, how boring would it be to get up at a time like this?
With such a great opportunity, of course he had to play for a while longer!
“I’m not a brat!” He protested dissatisfiedly.
His body, like a slippery loach, broke free from Diana’s hands.
Instead of getting up, he flipped over and pressed down directly on one of Diana’s arms.
Then, that wicked little hand accurately and unhesitatingly reached for the weakness that struck fear into the hearts of countless people—the ticklish spot on her waist!
“Watch this!” “Invincible Tickle Attack!” “That’s for calling me a brat!” “That’s for not admitting you’re blushing!” His fingers moved nimbly, launching a fierce assault on that sensitive patch of skin.
“Ah!
Hahaha!” Diana clearly hadn’t expected Arthas to actually dare to fight back.
Even less did she expect him to know such a dirty trick.
That unbearable tingling sensation instantly spread from her waist throughout her entire body.
It made her scream uncontrollably, and her body curled up as if she had been electrocuted.
The stern face she had intended to maintain instantly crumbled into uncontrollable laughter.
“You…
hahaha…” “Stop it!
You rascal!” “It tickles!
Stop tickling!” “I was wrong…
hahaha…
I won’t call you a brat anymore!” “Stop it, quick!” She pleaded for mercy while laughing, trying to grab Arthas’s hand.
But in this extremely ticklish state, she couldn’t muster any strength at all.
She could only squirm on the bed, trying to evade those devilish hands.
Her black hair became a tangled mess, and her clothes were rubbed even more disheveled.
If the Amazonian Warriors outside saw her looking so embarrassed yet cute, their eyes would probably pop out.
Seeing his attack working, Arthas became even more energetic.
How could he be willing to stop?
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
“I won’t stop, I won’t stop, I just won’t stop!” “Unless you admit you’re shy, Big Sister!” “Admit you wanted to hold me while we slept!” While increasing the intensity, he pushed his luck and made further demands.
He was almost sitting on top of Diana.
The kind of carefree laughter unique to children filled the entire room.
“Say it, quick!” “If you don’t say it, I’ll tickle you until dark!” Diana was truly starting to lose her composure now.
She was laughing so hard she was almost in tears.
This little guy was too naughty!
He knew exactly how to deal with her!
No, I can’t let him be so arrogant!
I am the Amazon Princess!
I am a warrior who has just obtained a Divine Artifact!
How can I lose to a little kid?
Even if it’s just playing around on the bed, I can’t!
Diana bit her lip, seizing a gap when Arthas switched hands.
She took a sharp breath, exerting force from her core.
That tempered core strength instantly erupted.
She didn’t want to hurt him; it was just a pure counterattack!
“Alright then!” “You’re doing this the hard way, aren’t you?” “It seems if I don’t show you who’s boss, you won’t know how formidable your sister is!” Diana spun around like a nimble leopard.
In an instant, she flipped Arthas, who was still on top of her, over.
The situation reversed instantly!
Arthas, who was the hunter just a moment ago, had now become the prey.
He was pinned firmly onto the soft bed.
Both his wrists were easily pinned above his head by one of Diana’s hands.
His legs were also pinned down, unable to move.
This was the absolute difference in strength!
Even if Arthas had divine power, in this kind of playful grappling, he was still a bit green.
Diana looked down at the subdued Arthas from above.
A triumphant, smug smile was on her face.
Though her face was still red and her hair was a mess, she certainly had the presence of a winner.
“Hmph hmph!” “Do you know who’s the boss now?” “Do you still dare to tickle me?” She leaned close to Arthas’s face, deliberately putting on a fierce expression.
She even reached out her other hand and waved it in front of Arthas.
Her long fingers slowly curled, making a tickling motion.
“Now it’s my turn!” “I’m going to pay you back tenfold for what you just did to me!” “Are you ready to face judgment, you little rascal?” Arthas was truly panicked now.
Although being pinned down by a beautiful big sister felt a bit…
strange, or maybe even a little secretly pleasant.
But he was also very ticklish!
And looking at Diana, she was clearly serious.
If he got counter-attacked, he’d probably laugh until he couldn’t breathe!
A wise man knows when to retreat!
He who understands the times is a hero!
He immediately gave up resistance and put on a pitiful look.
He blinked his big eyes, trying to act cute to get away with it.
“Big Sister…” “Beautiful Big Sister…” “Goddess Big Sister…” “I was wrong!
I was really wrong!” “Look at how cute I am, how could you have the heart to do it?” “Forgive me this once!” “How about…
how about I let you give me a kiss?” To plead for mercy, he even offered such “reparations.” “Pfft…” Hearing that last condition, Diana almost couldn’t help but laugh again.
This brat, who’s actually taking advantage of whom?
Let me kiss you?
You wish!
But looking at his soft and cute pleading face beneath her, looking at those innocent big eyes, Diana’s heart had long since melted into water.
How could she bear to actually do it?
She was only trying to scare him anyway.
Now that she’d vented her frustration and had her fun, it was time to stop.
After all…
she glanced at the increasingly bright sunlight outside the window.
A corner of her heart stung slightly again.
It was getting late.
Happy times are always fleeting.
If they kept playing, they really would miss the time to welcome Odin.
That meant the countdown to the moment of parting had truly begun.
At this thought, the smile in Diana’s eyes faded slightly, replaced by a trace of imperceptible loneliness.
She released Arthas’s hands and fell to the side, not getting up immediately.
Instead, she lay on her side, watching the little guy who had finally regained his freedom and was rubbing his wrists, her gaze becoming incredibly gentle.
“Alright, I’ll let you off this time.” “If you dare to be so disrespectful next time, see if I don’t spank you until your butt blooms.” Though her words were still harsh, her tone was entirely doting.
She reached out and helped Arthas straighten his messy collar, then smoothed down his frizzy black hair with very gentle movements.
Arthas keenly sensed the change in Diana’s mood.
He didn’t make a fuss anymore.
Instead, he lay there obediently, letting Diana fuss over him.
He turned his head and looked into Diana’s somewhat complicated eyes.
The cheerful mood in his heart also slowly settled down.
He had also thought of it.
He was leaving today.
This might be the last time he would play around with Big Sister like this.
The realization made his heart feel a bit heavy.
“Big Sister…” He called out softly.
He didn’t say anything sentimental.
He simply reached out and caught Diana’s hand as she was smoothing his hair.
He held it tightly in his palm.
As if he wanted to pass on some kind of strength or retain some warmth through this gesture.
Diana looked at her captured hand.
The corners of her mouth curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile.
She turned her hand and grasped Arthas’s small hand.
The two of them just stared at each other quietly for a few seconds.
The air in the room seemed to become thick, filled with a sentiment called reluctance to part.
“Get up.” Diana was the first to break the silence.
She sat up and stretched, revealing her beautiful curves.
She took a deep breath, as if trying to push all her emotions back into her heart.
She became that strong Amazon Princess once again.
“Hurry up and wash up and change your clothes.” “We still have to go eat breakfast.” “Don’t keep Mother waiting.” “And don’t let your Father King…
see you looking so disheveled.” When she said the words ‘Father King,’ her voice paused slightly.
The person about to arrive represented parting and also an irresistible fate.
Arthas also sat up.
Although he was ten thousand times unwilling in his heart, he also knew that some things had to be faced.
He was a prince, not just a child who only knew how to throw tantrums.
Since he had enjoyed the happiness here, he also had to learn to accept the pain of parting.
This was the price of growing up.
“Mm!” He nodded vigorously.
He jumped off the bed.
“Big Sister, help me pick out some clothes!” “I want to look handsome!” “I can’t lose face for Asgard!” “And I can’t lose face for you either, Big Sister!” He regained his energetic appearance once again.
Because he knew that this was the version of him his sister most wanted to see.
He didn’t want their final memory to be filled with tears and sadness.
He had to smile.
He had to leave happily.
Just as he had come happily.
In the time that followed, the warm and busy atmosphere returned to the room.
Diana acted like a real little Mother, helping Arthas pick out clothes and helping him put on the somewhat complicated Prince’s formal attire.
She even personally helped him wash his face and applied some fragrant cream for him.
Every movement was full of ritual, as if she were completing a sacred mission.
And Arthas was extremely cooperative.
Occasionally, he would take the opportunity to steal a kiss on Diana’s cheek, earning a playful scolding from Diana, though she didn’t pull away.
That “last time” understanding flowed between the two of them.
When the two of them finally finished getting ready and walked out the door, the sunlight outside had completely filled the entire corridor; the sea breeze was still fresh, the birds were still singing pleasantly, and everything on Paradise Island was no different from usual.
But for the two of them, the sunlight of this day seemed more dazzling than ever, and more precious than ever before.
Diana held Arthas’s hand, walking step by step toward the Great Hall.
There, Queen Hippolyta was already waiting; there, it was the end of one story and the beginning of another, even grander one.
“Let’s go.” Diana looked down at the little one beside her, her grip on his hand tightening slightly.
“Go and welcome your Father King.” “Go and welcome…
your future.” Arthas looked up and gave her a big, brilliant smile.
“Mm!” “We’ll go together!” Even if the road ahead leads to parting, as long as we are still together at this moment, there is nothing to fear.
Two figures, one large and one small, stretched very long in the morning light, walking firmly toward that destined end point.