Immortal Supreme: Sovereign of the Grand Dao-Chapter 298: Warm Hearted Morning

Arthur’s eyes opened slowly. The first thing he became aware of was warmth. Soft, comfortable warmth pressed against his side.

He turned his head slightly and saw Cora. She was still asleep, her face peaceful and relaxed in a way he’d rarely seen before. Her pink hair was spread across the pillow like silk. Her breathing was slow and even.

She was cuddled against him. One arm draped across his chest. One leg tangled with his beneath the soft sheets. Her body fit against his perfectly, as if they’d been made to rest like this.

The events of the previous night came back to Arthur’s mind. Clear and vivid. The conversation. The confessions. The connection that had formed between them.

And what came after. The intimacy they’d shared. The way Cora had looked at him with trust and desire and something deeper. The way they’d come together, not just physically but emotionally. Spiritually.

It had been... significant. More meaningful than Arthur had anticipated.

He watched Cora sleep for a moment longer. There was something vulnerable about her like this. Something precious that she only showed when her guards were completely down.

As if sensing his gaze, Cora stirred. Her eyes fluttered open slowly. Pink irises that seemed to glow faintly in the soft morning light filtering through the formations.

She blinked a few times. Focused on Arthur’s face. And then a beautiful smile spread across her features.

"Good morning," she whispered. Her voice was still husky with sleep.

"Good morning," Arthur replied quietly.

Cora’s cheeks flushed slightly as full awareness returned to her.

As she remembered everything that had happened. Her arm tightened around him and she buried her face against his chest for a moment.

"I can’t believe we..." she trailed off. Her voice was muffled against him.

Arthur’s hand came up to gently stroke her hair. "Regrets?" 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"No," Cora said immediately. She lifted her head to look at him. Her expression was earnest and sincere. "No regrets at all. Just... it feels surreal. Like I might wake up and find it was all a dream."

"It’s real," Arthur assured her. His fingers traced along her jawline gently. "I’m here. You’re here. This happened."

Cora’s smile widened. She shifted slightly, moving closer. Her face tilted up toward his.

Arthur understood the unspoken request. He leaned down and kissed her. Soft and warm. A good morning greeting that carried affection and acceptance.

When they separated, Cora’s eyes were bright and happy. She looked more alive, more vibrant than Arthur had ever seen her.

"I could get used to waking up like this," she admitted shyly.

"So could I," Arthur replied honestly.

They stayed like that for a while longer. Just holding each other. Enjoying the quiet intimacy of the moment. The peaceful silence that didn’t need to be filled with words.

But eventually, reality began to reassert itself. Arthur had responsibilities. Things that needed his attention before the Martial Emperor Secret Realm opened.

Cora seemed to sense his thoughts. She sighed softly. "You have things to do today, don’t you?"

"I do," Arthur confirmed. "I need to check on Balor and some others. Make sure everyone is properly prepared for what’s coming."

"I understand," Cora said. She didn’t sound disappointed. Just accepting. She knew Arthur’s nature. Knew that he took his responsibilities seriously.

But before Arthur could move to get up, Cora shifted again. Her hand slid across his chest. Her eyes met his with an expression that was both shy and bold at the same time.

"Before you go..." she said quietly. "Could we..."

She didn’t finish the sentence. Didn’t need to. Arthur could see the desire in her eyes. The craving for connection. For the closeness they’d shared the night before.

Arthur’s expression softened. He reached up and cupped her face gently. "Are you certain? I don’t want to rush you or make you uncomfortable since this is still new."

"I’m certain," Cora replied. Her voice was firm despite the blush on her cheeks. "I-I...want this. I want you...please."

Arthur studied her face for a moment longer. Making sure. Then he nodded slowly.

What followed was tender and unhurried. A joining that spoke of care and affection rather than raw passion. Arthur took his time. Made sure Cora felt valued and cherished. Made sure her needs were met completely.

And when it was over, when they lay together once more in comfortable exhaustion, Cora had a blissful smile on her face as she looked at Arthur.

"Thank you," she whispered. "For everything. For seeing me. For accepting me. For...making me feel loved."

Arthur kissed her forehead gently. "You don’t need to thank me. This is what it means to be together. To care for each other."

They cleaned up slowly. Dressed without rushing. Shared one more lingering kiss before Arthur finally prepared to leave the inner world of the Serene Palace Painting.

"I’ll see you later," Arthur said.

"I’ll be waiting," Cora replied with a warm smile.

------

Arthur’s consciousness shifted. The inner world faded. And suddenly he was back in his private chambers within the palace mansion.

He stood there for a moment. Adjusting. Centering himself. Pushing aside the warmth and intimacy of the morning to focus on the tasks ahead.

His mind began working through his schedule. He needed to check on several people today. Balor, his disciple. Luke, his subordinate and friend. And Sun Wukong, who required a more delicate conversation.

Arthur moved through his morning routine with practiced efficiency. He cleaned himself properly using cultivation techniques. Changed into fresh robes. Made himself presentable.

He also thought about the siblings.

Philia and Touki.

’I need to make arrangements for them soon. Once I’m done with all things I’ll need to prepare thoroughly for what’s ahead.’

’Oh, I need to check on that girl too.’

Arthur thought of Freya, the girl with the Fate Physique.

Now that he has fully restored his original past life memories there are many this he can understand.

’If I can make use of it properly...’