184 Chapter 13 (1/2)
Phobos didn't know how to feel when she was dragged away from her research by her implacable husband. He didn't even let her put a bookmark in that complicated tome on mana theory she had been studying. Partly, she was irritated by the interruption. They'd made a lot of progress while burning the midnight oil, Ceres and her. The foxgirl's input based on the kitsune clone technique was particularly valuable and it had provided several mentalities to her. She felt like she was making doing something. That horrible helplessness that had plagued her these past few days was being kept at bay…
But then again, another part of her – the utterly exhausted part – was professing undying affection for its lord and saviour. That part of her just wanted to sleep, and as they rounded a corner and approached their shared bedroom and a rich aroma wafted into her nose setting her stomach rumbling, it decided that it wouldn't mind some breakfast as well. By the way Ceres' eyes shone, she held the same opinion.
Phobos relaxed, letting Mars pull her along by the wrist with one hand while he gripped one of Ceres' hands with the other.
Pulling them into the room and kicking the door shut, Mars pushed them gently onto the sofa and indicated towards the sumptuous spread of dishes laid before them on the table.
”This, ladies, is what you'll be filling those empty stomachs with. And once you're done, you are going right to bed. Am I clear?”
”But –” began Ceres.
”No buts,” he said, cutting her off. ”I outrank you both and this is a direct order from your superior officer. You'll do as you are told, without question. Am. I. Clear?”
”This isn't the military,” muttered Ceres under her breath as she sniffed disdainfully before picking her fork up anyway. Phobos couldn't help but smile slightly at Mars' posturing before picking up her own spoon. ”As you command o great Lieutenant,” she joked before digging in.
The taste of the food lived up to what its aroma promised. The omelette was fluffy, dissolving in her mouth and the strips of caramelized bacon had the perfect crunch. The best part was the fish fingers that had been fried to perfection – the accompanying curd and herb dip plying her palate with a most delectable blend of sourness and spice.
Shooting a glance at Ceres, she found the girl lost in a world of culinary satisfaction with one hand covering her mouth as she struggled against her urge to just eschew all manners and stuff her face. Phobos had no such compunctions as she swept through her plate like a whirlwind, not even leaving a single crumb behind.
She sank back into her seat, patting her slightly bulging stomach, utterly sated. Through half-lidded eyes, she glanced at Ceres' remaining fish finger covetously before the exhaustion of these days past finally caught up with her as her spirit relaxed.
Suddenly, it felt like her eyelids were holding up two mountains. She just couldn't keep them open.
She sank into the blissful embrace of a dreamless sleep.
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Ceres retracted her mana and the purple smoke that wound around Phobos paled and then vanished as it dispersed.
Stepping in, Mars raised her limp body up in a princess carry and walked up to the bed, gently laying her down there, covering her up with the duvet and tucking her in. Straightening up, he watched her peaceful expression as she slept, the permanent frown that had marred her face smoothed out by the power of dreamless slumber.
Reaching down, he tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear before stepping away to let her rest.