Page 29 of Lost Heir
Viktor's laughter was a light note in the night's calm. “We were told you liked wine,” he shared, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. “The kitchens have been well stocked in anticipation of your arrival. I'll ensure a jug ofLove in the Moonlight, along with some accompanying snacks, are brought to you.”
“Thank you,” I responded, a genuine smile breaking through. His steps, guiding me towards the bathing chamber, were a dance of shadows and light, the hallway a bridge between the day's end and the night's quiet promise.
The bathing chamber was a shelter of tranquility and opulence. As I stepped through the arched doorway, the warm glow from the wall sconces bathed the room in a soft golden light, reflecting off the intricate mosaic tiles that adorned the walls and floor. These tiles, a kaleidoscope of blues and greens, depicted scenes of moonlit Valorian landscapes and mythical creatures frolicking under the night sky, bringing the room to life with their vivid colors and detailed artistry.
In the center of the chamber stood a large, freestanding bathtub that could easily fit ten people, carved from a single block of marble. Its smooth, cool surface was inviting, promising a soothing embrace. Servants moved quickly to fill the tub with steaming water that seemed to dance under the flickering light, releasing gentle waves of vapor that carried the relaxing scents of lavender and jasmine, mingling in the air and inviting deep breaths and relaxation.
Beside the bathtub, a small, elegantly carved wooden table held an array of bathing oils and salts, each container more exquisite than the last, offering scents and healing properties sourced from across Valoria’s lands and beyond.
Toward the back of the room, a delicate screen of frosted glass partitioned a space for changing, ensuring privacy while also serving as a piece of art, its surface etched with scenes that mirrored the chamber’s mosaics. Beyond this, plush towels and a robe of the softest cotton were laid out,their crisp folds a promise of warmth and comfort to wrap around oneself after the bath.
The entire chamber resonated with a harmony of elements—water, fire from the candles, earth in the marble and tiles, and air perfumed with floral scents. It was more than a place to bathe; it was a retreat designed to soothe the weary, to wash away the concerns of the day, and to envelop its occupant in the luxury and peace that few places within the palace could offer. Here, in this secluded haven, the outside world and its demands felt a world away, allowing for a rare moment of solitude and reflection.
When the last servant finished emptying the contents of their bucket into the tub, Viktor stepped into the doorway. “I’ll have Tessa bring you the wine and snacks,” he said, then excused himself and left the bathing chambers. The door closed with a soft click, sealing me within this luxurious cocoon, the world beyond momentarily forgotten.
Retreating behind the frosted glass partition, its surface etched with delicate patterns that danced in the candlelight, I shed the layers of my attire, each piece a whisper against the cool air. Standing in nothing but my skin, I secured my hair atop my head with a leather cord, ensuring the strands would remain dry and untouched by the bath's fragrant embrace.
Emerging from behind the screen, I approached the marble tub, its surface gleaming under the soft lighting, an inviting beacon. The few steps leading up to its rim seemed to elevate me not just physically but mentally, preparing me for immersion into a tranquil oasis.
As I slid into the water, the heat enveloped me instantly, a gentle yet all-encompassing warmth that seemed to penetrate the very core of my being. The water, infused with oils and herbs, caressed my skin, easing the tension from mymuscles and coaxing a deep, contented sigh from my lips. For a moment, within the embrace of the steaming bath, all was right with the world.
As the quiet of the chamber descended once more, the soft murmur of fabric against stone announced the arrival of Tessa, her steps measured and silent alongside two court ladies. Their presence, a gentle intrusion into the solitude of the bathing chamber, was marked by efficiency and grace as they navigated the space, setting down a tray laden with a decanter of wine and an assortment of snacks upon the wooden table beside the tub.
Observing Tessa's intention to pour the wine, I raised a hand, halting her in the motion. “Don't worry, I can do it,” I offered, keen to maintain a semblance of independence even in such pampered surroundings.
“Very well, Your Highness,” Tessa replied, her voice a soft echo in the marbled expanse. With a collective bow, she and the accompanying ladies retreated, their departure as unobtrusive as their arrival, leaving behind a trail of quiet respect.
Alone once again, I reached for the decanter, the crystal catching the flicker of candlelight as I poured the wine into a glass. The aroma was a bouquet of fruit and mystery, a promise of flavors yet untasted. The first sip was a revelation. The wine's complexity unfolded on my palate as layers of taste surpassed even the renowned A Thousand Roses.
With a contented sigh, I nestled back against the cool marble, the edge of the tub providing a perfect rest for both my head and the cup of wine. The warmth of the water, the subtle dance of lavender in the air, and the exquisite taste of wine coalesced into a symphony of relaxation. I allowed my eyes to close, the cup securely placed on the tub's wideledge, as the soothing properties of the bath began to weave its magic.
Drifting, I surrendered to the embrace of sleep, the stresses and intrigues of palace life melting away into the comforting warmth and the gentle aroma that surrounded me. It was a rare moment of peace, a soft descent into slumber guided by the tranquil waters and the serene ambiance of the bathing chamber.
The peacefulness of my bath was shattered by an unexpected touch, a rough hand gliding down my neck and shoulder, snapping me out of my doze with a start. Instinctively, I recoiled, clutching my chest for modesty, only to find Ronan's familiar grin greeting me.
“Hello there, sleeping beauty,” he teased, his voice a low rumble in the quiet chamber.
Panic fluttered in my chest as I scanned the room. “What are you doing here? Did anyone see you?” The words tumbled out in a hushed rush, the fear of discovery pressing down upon me.
He eased himself onto the edge of the tub, dismissing my concerns with a shake of his head. “No, Viktor has the front covered. I found a less conspicuous entry.” His casual admission did little to quell my rising alarm.
“The security here is laughably lax,” I retorted, my gaze sharp, seeking to mask the turmoil his presence stoked.
A chuckle escaped him, his amusement clear. “Or perhaps they're just accommodating an old friend's visit.”
His teasing did nothing to soothe the tension threading through me. “Even so, you can’t keep sneaking into the Eastern palace. You’re going to get caught!” I whispered, the threat of my mother's wrath looming large in my mind. “If my mother—”
“She won't find out,” he assured swiftly, his confidence unsettling.
I sank deeper into the water, my attempt at modesty a stark contrast to Ronan's brazen ease. “What are you doing here, Ronan? If this is about last night, we can’t—”
“We can’t what?” he cut me off.
“It can’t be repeated,” I mumbled and looked away, my face heating.
With a smirk, he began to unbutton his shirt, slowly revealing his inked skin adorned with the tales of the Crimson Clan and sending a jolt of shock through me. “Ronan!” I exclaimed, turning my back to him in a fluster.
His laughter filled the chamber, a sound too carefree for the gravity of our situation. “You've seen it all before, Leila.”
