He smiled back up at her, closing his eyes and drifting off, feeling very comforted in her lap, just as she had felt in his own embrace. His sleep was dreamless, but he felt a sense of contentment and warmth. It was a very peaceful sleep, one that calmed him down to his core, his mind relaxing. It helped that he was in an extremely comfortable position, one that Ella had been in last night, and one that he had found equally comfortable on that end as well. The only difference was the lower height, laying more on the bed, with his head just elevated enough, instead of his entire body resting against hers.

He woke up, as he eventually had to, opening his eyes blearily to look around the room. It must've been a few hours, though there was still sun coming from the sky. Probably getting into the evening then. The first thing he noticed, however, was his hand in her own. She must've grabbed it after he fell asleep. Then he realized she was still asleep as well. So much for reading, he thought with a smirk.

He maneuvered his hand around, just enough so that he could interlock their fingers together. It was like they were in a relationship now, holding hands likes a couple truly in love. If only it was possible, but Marken had more duties than just his own personal desires, no matter how much he wished it would change. But... When she was asleep... He could pretend, just like he used to do when he was a little boy, playing at being a knight, with heroic victories and epic tales of dragons defeated. And he always got the maiden. He allowed himself a sad smile, before shifting to push his body more against her, though he held his weight off her, instead shifting around to face her. His hand never left her own. He placed a single kiss on her lips, before shifting back down, allowing himself to weigh more heavily on her as he waited for her to wake up.