Supreme Spouse System.

Chapter 64: The Morning After.

The Morning After.

Morning sunlight seeped softly through the slits in the thick velvet drapes, painting golden stripes across the lavish, high-ceilinged bedroom. Dust particles swirled lazily in the air, trapped in the gentle beams of light that moved slowly over the gleaming marble floor and the delicate carvings on the exquisite furnishings.

On the big silken bed, in twisted sheets of royal black, two bodies were lying together in the peacefulness of sleep. One was a man—his raven-black hair rumpled, but his face incredibly divine in the early dawn. The other, curled on his chest, was a woman of otherworldly loveliness, her long purple tresses spread out like silk across his body.

When the golden light touched his shut eyelids, the man stirred.

Leon’s eyes slowly fluttered open, and his golden irises sparkled like two suns catching the morning flames. Warmth filled his chest—but weight too. Blinking twice to refocus, he looked down.

There she lay—Aria, his love, sleeping peacefully in his arms. Her breathing was slow and measured, her lips just barely parted, her face at peace. Her frame so perfectly tucked in against his, as if she were meant to be there—like she always had been.

With a smile that was soft as his touch, Leon extended his hand and played his fingers in the fall of her silky purple hair, relishing its softness. The action roused a flood of memories from the yesterday.

It had been such a day.

From the revelation of the Divine Artifact of Balance Chakra, to the startling news regarding the goddess Selena’s prophecy, and the surrender of Cynthia, Kyra, and Syra—three loyal believers of Moon Goddess Selena who now vowed to serve him.

He had thought of coming back through the city gates, but the idea had soon been abandoned. The gate guards would also ask too many questions, and since the city walls and city gates guards were directly under the king’s control, Leon knew that his being Duke didn’t mean anything in that area. The last thing he wanted was to draw unwanted attention. So, he used the secret passage, a path that he had used that morning.

When at last he made it through the concealed passageway and into the room of his manor house, he spotted Aria near the window, staring out into the evening as if she had been acting as a guard sentinel. At once, as she heard him approaching, she spun to face him, her eyes bright with welcoming warmth and relief. Only to narrow faintly as they alighted on the three women that had brought him. Clearly she had been alert to something out of the way, although her distrust had been justified.

But Leon never kept secrets from her. He cared for her too much for that. With serene determination, he told her everything—the divine relic, the prophecy, the now new mysterious link to the moon goddess, and the new loyalty of the three women and their source. He did not want to conceal the truth from her, because she was his wife. And reminding himself of an Earthly saying, "Happy wife, happy life," he understood that honesty was the foundation of their relationship.

Initially, Aria had been understandably wary, but as Leon explained, her face relaxed. She could see the earnestness in his eyes and comprehend the enormity of what had occurred. After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded, embracing the new reality. She allocated rooms to Cynthia, Kyra, and Syra—conveniently situating them directly next to his own room—and, with a soft smile, escorted Leon back to their common chamber.

There, in the stillness after the tumult, they had rested together. She had inquired about his hunt. He said it had been fine, that he was better now—mentally and physically—but too tired to jest and do something mischievous with her like usual.

They had slept in each other’s arms, wrapped in warmth, understanding, and something more: trust.

But that peace was shattered, though briefly, by the slight spasm of Aria’s body. Her lashes fluttered like butterfly wings, and in seconds, her violet eyes slowly opened. Slumber still lingered in them, but when they encountered his golden eyes, they softened into a smile.

Without saying a word, she leaned forward and kissed him softly on the lips. Leon reacted, smiling into the kiss, his arms wrapping around her protectively.

"Good morning, darling," she breathed.

"Good morning, honey," he answered, laughing at how natural it was.

There was something new about Aria now—she was braver, more assertive. A few fiery nights with him had brought out the passion simmering beneath her noble facade. She no longer restrained her passions or her speech.

I love waking up like this," she whispered, laying her cheek on his chest, taking deep breaths of his smell. "And your smell. it keeps me safe. It makes me a little crazy." She shut her eyes, her breathing calm, absorbed in the security of his being there, as if the rest of the world didn’t exist.

He smiled softly in her words, his fingers still caressing her hair once more. "You always have what you want, don’t you, my dear?"

She laughed and nodded. "Of course."

They remained like that for a moment, ensconced in the silence of the morning, relishing the fleeting stillness only the warmth of each other’s presence could offer. But then, with a gentle sigh, Aria gradually started to draw away from his arms, her actions slow as if bracing herself to deal with the world beyond their little bubble.

"Come on," she murmured, her voice carrying the soft hint of playfulness that always lingered between them. "We need to start the day. You’ve got some official stuff to do, and let’s not forget—three new guests to deal with," she added teasingly, a glimmer of mischief in her violet eyes as she flashed him a knowing smile.

Leon smiled at her word but he took her wrist and drew her back into his arms, pushing a few strands of hair out of her face. "Tell me one thing," he said.

She smiled. "What?"

"Did you feel bad when I brought those three women with me?"

Aria hesitated, reading the question in his eyes. Then she shook her head.

"No, I didn’t." Her voice was calm and decisive. "I know more women will come into your life. That doesn’t mean you’ll abandon me—or Rias. You’ve already explained your. unique power and what it requires." _{𝒏𝙤𝙫𝒑𝙪𝙗.𝙘𝒐𝙢}

Leon’s eyes softened.

"And besides," Aria said with a gentle sigh, her hand tracing the curve of his chest, "I and Rias already prepared ourselves for your. harem. We know you. We trust you.". And also, you’re that mature to know when to pause. when to say no. That’s enough for me." She smiled at him with knowing. "But we just want the women you choose to be in your life will good and better for you. We didn’t bear to see you hurt, darling."

Leon was moved by her words. He had always dreaded that his choices would hurt her, but her faith in him, her compassion, touched him more than he could say.

"I never— choose wrong woman" he said wit bid smile.

"That’s my husband," she whispered with a teasing grin. and Aria give him a soft kiss to his cheek.

He chuckled softly, "Thank you for trusting me, honey."

She met his eyes with a playful glint, her lips curling into a mischievous smile as she lightly tapped his chest. "Silly husband," she teased, her voice soft yet full of warmth. "’Sorry’ and ’thank you’ never meant that much between us."

Leon smiled, then leaned forward to kiss her forehead.

"Enough talking. Let’s take a bath," she said with a grin, her tone light and playful.

With a smile, Leon stood up, lifting her up as they both walked into the adjacent marble-lined bath-chamber.

Warm water splashing sounds reverberated off the tiles. Whispers and moans, gentle gasps and laughter filled the air as steam curled around them like clouds. There, in one another’s arms, they scrubbed away at yesterday’s burden—growing nearer in body and in spirit.

When they finally surfaced, Aria’s skin was flushed with a bright red hue, and a content, dreamy smile played on her lips. Leon also seemed easy and teasing.

They got dressed together—he in a black robe with golden stitches, his dark hair smoothed back, his golden eyes glinting like coins from heaven. Aria was in a flowing white and purple gown that cinched at her body elegantly.

You are stunning," Leon told her, tucking up a clasp on her robe.

"You’re not less so," she countered with a grin. "This dress fits you too perfectly. Seriously, heaven save any unfortunate woman who gets in your way today."

Leon chuckled. "If you continue flattery, I may get blushing.

She laughed, the tone light and playful, but then her look changed slightly, the mischievous bite in her tone still there. "I wonder, though. if the three who were here last night will get away from your charm.

Leon smiled, his eyes crinkling up with amusement as he understood just how far Aria had come. From the reserved, reserved maid he’d first encountered to the cheeky, flirtatious noblewoman and wife that she was now, it was a change that he adored. He understood it was in his nature—the trust, the encouragement, the love—that had coaxed out this new part of her slowly, and he couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride.

As he gazed at her, that same mischievous spark in her eyes, he thought to himself, I wouldn’t trade this for anything.

"Come on, let’s go get breakfast," he said with a smile.

"Let’s," she said.

But when they opened the door—

They stood there.

A shock wave washed over their faces as they stood in the doorway of their room, eyes wide.

Something unexpected lay outside.