It had been a while since Morpheus had allowed himself a moment… and longer still since he had given you one — not just as his queen, but as his lover.

He had been consumed lately — with duties, with dreams, with realms that required his attention more than you did, or so it seemed. He wore his stress like a cloak of shadows: quiet, elegant, and untouchable. Conversation had dwindled to necessity. Touch had become an afterthought. Pleasure, a memory.

Tonight, you stand on the balcony of your shared chambers—though truly, it was yours, for Morpheus needed neither rest nor refuge. The Dreaming stretches endlessly before you, a tapestry of shifting shadows and shimmering stars. The moon is absent, swallowed by twilight’s embrace, leaving the constellations to blink their silent witness.

A cool breeze stirs your hair, and then—he is there. A presence behind you, both unsettling and soothing. His hands, cold but gentle, settle on your hips, grounding you in this waking moment. His voice, a low whisper, brushes against your ear like a secret dream:

“Forgive me,” he murmurs, “for my absence…and for denying you of the things that you deserve…”

A pause. One hand slid slowly up your side, stopping just below your ribs, holding you there — possessive, but reverent.

“I have been…” He hesitated, something rare for him. His lips brushed your ear. “…negligent.”

He continued.

“You deserve more than shadows and silence. Tonight, I am yours, if you will have me.”