That’s a normal physiological reaction

Letia placed the tipsy Mira onto the guest bed.

Lily helped cover her with a blanket, skipping the rest — if Mira woke up thinking Letia had done something improper, it would only cause trouble.

Since the fox and dragon clans were long-time allies, Mira could easily talk to Karina.

If Mira noticed any tension between them, word might reach Karina’s ears.

No one knew what chaos that might cause, and Lily certainly didn’t want to be involved.

“I have a feeling she’ll make a fuss again tomorrow,” Lily said gloomily. “Letia, can’t you think of some way to get rid of her?”

“What can I do?”

“For example, maybe coax her a little, get her to leave us alone sooner?”

“Why should I coax someone I don’t like?”

“You’re so stubborn — don’t you know how to be flexible?”

“Heh, thanks for the compliment. A proud dragon doesn’t need to beat around the bush!”

“You call that a compliment?”

Talking to Letia was pointless.

Maybe Lily should come up with something herself.

If she could make it look like she and Letia were very close, Mira might give up.

Would that mean showing affection in front of Mira?

Letia often teased Lily, and Lily had gotten somewhat used to it — but doing that in public was another matter entirely.

Just the thought made her flustered.

“Ah!” Letia suddenly looked toward Mira with a knowing expression.

“W-What is it? Did you think of something?”

“I just realized — Mira took your bed.”

“My bed?—”

Lily remembered.

Letia had planned to sleep in the main bedroom, and Lily in the guest room.

But now that Mira occupied it, did that mean she’d have to share Letia’s bed?

“Looks like there’s no other way. Lily, come sleep with me.”

“Huh?” Lily’s cheeks turned pink. “I-I’m not sleeping with you!”

“Why not? We’ve done it before.”

“T-That was different! You forced me!”

They had shared a bed before — usually when Lily was too tired to move afterward.

Letia would simply hold her close until morning.

Lily had tried to protest, but she’d been too exhausted to resist.

“So, you prefer being forced?”

“No! Why would you even think that?”

“Then maybe I should make you agree right now?”

Letia caught Lily’s wrist and gently pulled her closer.

Her fingers brushed against Lily’s neck as she smiled softly.

“I want you to stay with me tonight.”

“Let go of me…”

Letia didn’t hesitate — she wrapped her arms around Lily’s waist and lifted her easily.

Before Lily could react, she found herself in Letia’s embrace.

“W-What are you doing?” Lily’s face flushed red. “You’re awful — put me down!”

“You’re adorable when you get angry.”

“I’m not your darling!”

“Oh? What else would you call me then?”

“You— you’re impossible!”

Letia carried her back to the bedroom and set her gently on the soft bed.

Lily let out a small cry, clutching at her chest and glaring up at Letia.

“Are you teasing me again?” she asked, half-resigned.

“Who said that?” Letia leaned over her, resting her hands on either side. “I just want to make sure you don’t forget me so easily.”

“Don’t say strange things like that…”

Letia’s playful teasing made Lily’s heart race, though she tried hard to stay calm.

She was already used to Letia’s unpredictable nature.

This time, though, Letia seemed intent on testing her limits.

Lily struggled to stay composed.

She couldn’t just give in — she had to turn the tables somehow.

Looking up with quiet determination, Lily met Letia’s eyes.

“Letia… are you sure you can handle me?”

“Such bold words,” Letia said with a smirk.

“I’m serious,” Lily said, straightening up. “You’ll see.”

For a moment, Letia faltered, but quickly regained her pride.

A dragon couldn’t lose so easily.

She leaned closer again, her tone calm but challenging.

“Let’s see who gives up first.”

Lily stared back stubbornly.

“Fine by me.”

The air between them tensed — neither willing to yield.

Letia felt her pride push against her restraint, while Lily struggled to keep her composure.

At that moment, Letia glanced at the nearby cradle.

Her daughter slept peacefully, untouched by their squabble.

Relieved, Letia smiled faintly — at least that was one less worry.

She turned back to Lily.

“Looks like we’ll settle this our own way,” she said softly.

And the two continued their quiet contest of wills, neither quite ready to surrender.