Page 85 of The Stolen Kingdom

The chill of the air prickled her skin as she stepped closer to the tub.

She dipped her fingers into the water first, testing it, before letting out a content sigh. Slowly, she eased herself in; the warmth spreading over her skin. She needed this after being on the road for so long.

The water rose to her shoulders as she leaned back, her body relaxing for the first time in what felt like days. The tension unraveled from her muscles as she soaked, her eyes fluttering shut.

After a few minutes, Maris tilted her head back, working her long, damp hair. Her nails scratched gently at her scalp.

Her ride through Umbriel had been grueling. The sun had scorched her skin, leaving a faint burn on her shoulders and arms, and the sand and dirt had clung to her, grinding into every crevice. Maris scrubbed her hair and skin vigorously, watching the grime swirl into the water until it turned murky. Only then did she decide to slip out of the tub.

Grabbing a clean, plush towel, she patted herself dry, sighing as the cool air kissed her damp skin.

The tunic waiting for her was slightly larger than what she was used to. The loose fit and sturdy fabric suggested it was a man’s tunic, but it was comfortable, falling just past her thighs and hips.

Maris decided she’d wear the pants only if she needed to leave the room.

Walking over to the vanity, she rummaged through the drawers until she found a hairbrush. She worked through the tangles with care, leaving her hair down to dry naturally. With her body clean and her hair freed, she walked back into the bedchamber. Valda was sitting on a chair, facing the window.

“I’m done,” Maris announced, tossing her dirty clothes into the corner with Valda’s.

Valda turned toward her, her hands holding up a small object that caught the light—a pair of scissors.

“Oh! You found some scissors,” Maris said with a smile, stepping closer. “I guess you really want me to cut your hair.”

“You were right,” Valda said, her lips curling into a faint smile. “It does get in the way. It’s long enough to poke me in the eyes now and…” She paused, her honey eyes gleaming with mischief. “Even though I’ve proven I can fight without my vision, I’d rather not have my hair blinding me.”

Maris chuckled, crossing her arms. “Well, I’ll see what I can do.”

She took the scissors from Valda and stood behind her as the tension dissipated from her lover’s shoulders. Maris wetted her lower lip before biting it and ran her fingers through Valda’s damp hair. Valda exhaled, closed her eyes, and leaned into the soft caress.

The other woman seemed to be as thirsty for affection as Maris was. While Valda indulged in the sweetness of Maris’s caress, the younger woman relished in the softness of Valda’s hair. It had been so long since she had touched it, it felt unreal.

Maris grounded herself by coursing her fingernails along Valda’s scalp. Valda shuddered in delight before Maris brought the scissors to the long strands. She started with the strands on the back of her head and worked her way up. Valda sat still; her nervousness revealed through their bond. Maris couldn’t help but smile.

“I won’t make it look bad; I promise.”

Valda grunted softly. “I trust you.”

“Good. Then why are you so nervous?” Maris asked, focused on the task, wanting to make sure that she didn’t screw up. She would never forgive herself if she gave Valda a horrible haircut.

“I am not nervous, Seashell, I am excited because you are touching me again,” Valda said while Maris’s hands moved about her head. “Or maybe I am scared this is actually a dream.”

Maris’s upper lip twitched into a brief smile. “Where is Cerberus?”

Valda tilted her head to the side. The large cat was under the bed, her tail swaying from side to side. Maris followed her gaze and tutted her tongue. “There are other ways to make sure this is not a dream.”

Valda frowned. “And how will you do so, if I may ask?”

Maris slipped her right hand through Valda’s hair, pressing her palm to her scalp before closing her fist and pulling Valda’s head back. Hard enough to make it sting, soft enough for Valda to know she didn’t mean any harm.

Valda released a pleasurable hiss and opened her eyes to look at Maris. “You are playing with fire.”

“No, darling. I am playing with your hair.” She gave it another tug, and Valda’s breath hitched. Releasing her grip, Maris pulled away and Valda strode to the full-length mirror. Now wearing the yellow blouse and linen pants, Maris could still outline every muscle and curve. Maris sat in the same chair and admired Valda’s body.

“I think it looks perfect,” Maris said, her eyes glued to Valda.

Valda looked at herself in the mirror, playing with her hair, taking in the change of length until her eyes locked with Maris’s reflection. They stared at each other through the mirror until Valda turned around.

“Do you like it?” Maris asked, slowly crossing her legs, allowing Valda to have a delightful view of her thick, muscular legs. “I tried not to cut too much. I kind of like this look on you,” Maris said, spinning the scissors. “What do you think?”

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