The gentle sound of footsteps echoed down the slick marble hallway as Leon and Aria walked hand in hand into the dining room.
Aria's fingers remained ensnared in Leon's—warm and constant—but her gaze would fall occasionally to the floor, cheeks flushing slightly. She was lovely in the loose purple dress Rias had selected, the material flowing around her legs like water. But with each step, her heart skipped a beat. She wasn't accustomed to walking this way... not by her lord—but as his wife.
As they approached the wide arch that opened into the sumptuous dining hall, a melodious, familiar voice boomed, laughing and cheekily amused.
"Well, well, the newly couple finally gracing me with their presence."
Aria jolted, her blush growing stronger.
Rias sat at the formal dining table, legs draped loosely over the other, her scarlet dress clinging to her curves. Her dark scarlet hair fell about her shoulders in waves, contrasting with her harsh, mischievous smile. Her scarlet eyes glowed with amusement, focusing immediately on Aria's frazzled face.
"I was beginning to wonder if you two had melted in the bath or simply decided to spend the whole day tangled in each other," she teased, swirling a spoon in her teacup.
Aria's blush deepened immediately. "W-We... I mean... we just—"
Leon cut in smoothly, smirking. "We almost didn't make it out, to be fair. Someone was very tempting... and needing a little more attention."
Rias laughed, a deep, musical sound. "Oh, Daddy... always such a gentleman."
She rested her chin in her hand as Leon came over and, without apology, stooped to kiss her mouth—a light, comfortable kiss. She returned it with easy professionalism, her fingers stroking his jaw before he let go and claimed the head seat at the table.
And she leaned her chin on her hand, smirking. "You smell different this morning... muskier. More addictive." She licked her bottom lip slowly. "Almost like you've been become more additive."
Aria stood nearby, fidgeting—until Rias patted the seat beside her with a sly smile.
"Come, Sister Aria. Don't hover like a girl caught sneaking out of her lover's bed. Sit with your family."
Aria blinked at the term family... then nodded slowly, her voice gentle. "Y-Yes...."
Breakfast was already laid out— warm bread rolls dripping with honey, glazed fruits, poached eggs, and roasted meats. The aroma alone was able to awaken Leon's appetite, particularly after a night of activity that had drained his energy.
Rias scooted closer, placing her elbow on the table. "Sister Aria, that dress fits you nearly too well. If I hadn't taken the time to make this dress myself... I think you were trying to seduce both Daddy all over again."
Aria spit out her soup in surprise. "W-What?! I-I would never—!"
Leon smiled in between spoonfuls. "Give her time, Rias. She's still getting used to things. But I wouldn't complain being seduced by her... again."
Rias fired him a glance—equal measures amused and sensual. "Oh, I know you wouldn't Daddy."
Aria attempted to concentrate on her plate, her whole face now a deep crimson. But even in the taunting, the manner in which Rias looked at her—warm and evil all at once—caused something warm brew in her chest and she genuinely feel part of—this family.
The repartee waltzed through the morning air like sun on water, gentle and radiant. Aria remained mostly silent, her heart skipping a beat with every jesting jab, but the heat in the room—teasing, flirtatious, loving—was something she gradually thawed into.
Leon gazed from one to the other. Rias—his daughter and first wife, his sweet red-haired storm. Aria—his recently bound love, reserved yet gradually flowering into something fierce under the silk and stammering.
The morning air was charged with flirtation and firelamp heat. Under the laughter and banter, something fragile flowered—acceptance, intimacy, the thin strand of a bond just taking shape.
Leon breathed deep, the roasted honey and woman still on his palate.
There was peace, for the moment.
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The delicate tinkle of silverware receded as the final bites of breakfast were enjoyed. Morning light streamed through the high dining hall windows, golden and warm, embracing the three at the table in a peaceful radiance.
Leon sat back in his chair, arching with a soft creak. "Alright... I should go to my study and get started."
Across the table, Rias lazily swirled her juice, her scarlet eyes glinting with mirth. "Daddy," she cooed, "why don't you take a day off from work and spend it with your two lovely wives instead?" Her voice dropped low, teasing, sensual.
Aria almost dropped her spoon. Again, on Rias remark.
Leon laughed, his gaze drifting to Rias with a slow smile. "Sweetheart, If I listened to my heart," he whispered, "I wouldn't just spend today with the two of you... I'd imprison the three of us in a room for the rest of our lives and never allow either of you out of my bed."
Rias's eyes flashed with heat, her breathing catching as her thighs folded under the table. "For heaven's sake," she growled, licking her lips. "Do not tease me like that, Daddy."
Aria said nothing, her hands tightening on her robe. She wasn't accustomed to these interactions yet—especially not when Rias acted so brazen, so natural. But even in stillness, she didn't glance away. Not at him.
Leon stood up from the chair and walked around the table. In one smooth action, he swept Rias up by the waist and enfolded her in his arms. His voice dropped to a low, sensual whisper against the ear.
"Perhaps I do not have to go to the study," he whispered, his warm breath against her neck. "Perhaps I shall spend all day ravaging both my lovelies... until neither one of you can walk."
Her eyelashes fluttered, and she took a slow, deep breath. Her eyes rolled back a little. "Mmmh. Gods, that smell. You smell... stronger recently." She buried her nose against his collar. "More addictive. What are you doing to me, Daddy?"
Leon smirked. "Just being near you."
She backed away just far enough to glance up at him, eyes shining. "As much as I'd love to be ruined right here against the table... I don't think I—or Sister Aria—could handle you right now Daddy."
Aria's eyes went wide, and her lips quivered slightly. The vision Rias had just created seared in her mind like flame. Her fingers tensed more in her lap.
Leon chuckled quietly, releasing Rias with an exaggerated sigh. "Tragic. But... my ladies' will."
He overacted a turn, raising his chin like a thespian in a romance novel. "Then I will endure the weight of paperwork."
Rias laughed, standing with a hip hand. "So dramatic," she mocked. "Okay, don't pout. Come here, Daddy."
He spun around in time for her to grab him by the collar and plant a hard, wet, near sloppy kiss on his mouth. The sound reverberated thinly, the flavor remaining even as they broke apart.
"There," she panted, voice still warmed. "Now go. Be good Daddy for once."
Leon bowed theatrically. "As you command, sweetheart."
And then he looked over at Aria, who'd sat quietly by in wonder. "Aria," he spoke softly, "you'd like to go with me? Or perhaps you need a bit of a rest?"
Her eyes came up from under the lock of hair in shock. "I... I'll go with you," she babbled quickly, a shade too hastily.
He grinned. "Then let's go.
Their fingers touched naturally. She rose, still in a state of agitation but firm. Something about being at his side seemed less frightening than before.
As they emerged into the archway, Rias's voice called out once more.
Aria spun around, blinking. "Y-Yes?"
Rias approached, eyes flicking over the purple robe that clung to Aria's body. "That robe. Doesn't it suit you perfectly, though?"
Leon's eyebrow arched in puzzlement.
Aria nodded slowly. "Yes... it's very comfortable. And... it's beautiful."
Rias's eyes shone. "Good. That's what I wanted to hear."
She gestured dramatically with her hand. "Now go. I've got work to do before I pilfer him back later."
Leon and Aria shared a quick look at her odd tone, but neither of them said anything. As they departed, her words hung in the air like perfume.
Rias lingered at the door of dining hall a moment longer, keeping an eye on their backs.
Then, with a gentle smile, she turned on her heel and went off to her own work.