Chapter 74

Eleanor’s POV

I slowly opened my eyes, trying to adjust to the sunlight piercing through the window. Suddenly I felt a warmth surrounding me, a comforting embrace that made my heart skip a beat. Confusion clouded my sleepy mind for a moment, I turned my head quickly and my eyes widened in surprise. It was King Derek, his strong arms wrapped around me pulling me even closer.

We must have fallen asleep talking I thought to myself. A shy smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I realized the closeness between us. I could feel his steady heartbeat against my back, the rise and fall of his chest with each breath. I wasn't expecting him to still be on my bed till now, yet it filled me with a sense of contentment that I couldn't deny.

Blushing slightly, I shifted in his arms to face him directly, my eyes fixed on his face as I watched him sleep. With a mixture of shyness and curiosity, I reached up and gently brushed a lock of hair away from his face. My touch was gentl