Nyami's eyes flicked to my hair, appraising.
'But before you enter, allow me—your hair are in a mess, wild from sleep. I can trim them neatly, if it pleases you.'
I paused, glancing at the strands obscuring my vision.
'Sure, if it's not too much trouble.'
From the air beside her, a pair of silver scissors materialized in a swirl of pinkish-red mist, the vapor curling like scented smoke, dissipating with a whisper.
Her hands were skilled, gentle as she stepped closer, her fingers brushing my scalp in light, reassuring strokes that sent warmth prickling down my neck.
Snip by snip, the blades sang softly, each cut precise, the fallen strands drifting to the floor like black snow. Less than a minute passed, and she stepped back, her touch lingering a moment on my shoulder.
'There,' she murmured, admiration in her tone.
'Your eyes are really beautiful, your highness.'
I ran a hand through the now-even lengths, the hair soft and framing my face neatly, my blue gaze meeting its twin in the mirror—sharper, more alert.
'Thank you, It feels... better.'
'My pleasure.' She inclined her head, a pleased curve to her lips.
I turned toward the bathroom, the steam beckoning like a lover's sigh, but as I crossed the door, a soft rustle sounded behind me.
Glancing back, I saw Nyami shrugging off the outer layer of her dress—the black fabric pooling at her feet in a dark wave.
What remained was alluring: a black lace and leather corset top, laced tightly with red threads, featuring daring cuts around her navel that revealed a glimpse of smooth, toned midriff, cute and inviting.
The large puff sleeves stayed, adding a touch of whimsy, while her lower half was clad in a red and black plaid pleated skirt with lace trim, shorter now, swaying with her movements.
Confusion hit me, heat rising to my cheeks.
'Nyami?'
She stepped forward, calm and unperturbed, her horns catching the light as she closed the distance.
The air between us thickened with her scent—subtle strawberry and spice, warm and enveloping.
'To assist you with the bath, My Lord. You are unfamiliar with our palace's materials, and as your personal maid from this day forward, it is my duty to serve you intimately.'
My eyes focused on hers, trying to figure out anything possible.
'There is no need for concern; I am here to tend to every aspect of your comfort.'
Her words wrapped around me, bold yet reassuring, her eyes holding mine with that seductive poise.
'Well... who in their right mind would reject such a beauty. But still I should be careful just in case, nothing is free in this world afterall' I thought to myself.
'As you think the best.' I added before continuing my way through.
The steam from the bath curled around us, humid and inviting, carrying the promise of relaxation laced with something deeper, more sensual.
I swallowed, the room's warmth mirroring the flush in my skin, as she gestured toward the tub—a grand porcelain vessel filled with steaming water, bubbles foaming gently, petals of night-blooming flowers floating on the surface.
'Allow me,' she continued, her voice a low murmur, as she reached for the hem of my shirt.
Her fingers were deft, grazing my sides with feather-light touches that ignited sparks along my nerves.
The fabric lifted away, exposing my chest to the misty air, cool droplets from the steam kissing my skin.
I stood there, heart quickening, as she guided me closer, her presence a steady anchor amid the vulnerability.
The water's heat enveloped me as I sank in, a sigh escaping my lips at the blissful immersion—silky and scented, lapping at my limbs like caressing hands.
Nyami knelt beside the tub, her skirt brushing the floor, sleeves rolled back to reveal slender arms. She dipped a soft cloth into the water, wringing it with practiced ease, the droplets pattering like rain.
'Tell me if the temperature suits you,' she said, her tone attentive, as she began at my shoulders, the cloth gliding in slow circles, warm and soothing, easing knots I hadn't realized were there.
'It's perfect,' I replied, leaning back, the water cradling my head.
Her touch was professional yet intimate, the pressure firm enough to melt tension, her proximity filling my senses—the soft curve of her corset as she leaned in, the faint rise and fall of her breath syncing with the steam's rhythm.
She worked downward, the cloth tracing my arms, then my chest, each pass deliberate, building a languid warmth that spread through me.
'Dang it.... this woman really isn't holding back at all, my lil brother is already betraying me.' Cursing inwardly I shifted slightly to hide the embarrassment.
'Lady Elysiana spoke highly of your resilience,' she commented softly, her eyes flicking to mine.
'The forest battle... it must have been harrowing.'
I nodded, eyes half-closing in the haze. Still uncomfortable with my rising spear hero.
'Yeah, it was. But I'm here now, thanks to her.'
The water rippled as she moved, her hands never rushing, savoring the care.
'And now, in your service,' she added, a hint of warmth in her voice,
'I aim to ensure every moment brings you peace.' Her fingers lingered at my collarbone, the cloth pressing just so, sending subtle shivers despite the heat.
The steam in the bathroom hung thick and intoxicatingly curling around us in lazy spirals from the tub's surface.
The water's heat had seeped into my bones, loosening the knots of yesterday's battles, but now, as Nyami's fingers brushed the last of the towel away, a sharper sensation stirred deep within.
My vision blurred at the edges, and again, my eyes flashed red—a searing crimson glow that lit the misty air like embers in the fog.
Pain flooded in, familiar and vicious, twisting through my veins like thorns uncoiling in my blood. It was the same rush I'd felt in the forest, that wild hunger clawing at my control, urging me toward something primal and unchecked.
I gasped, my hand instinctively reaching up to clutch at my face, but Nyami was there in an instant.
Her red eyes widened slightly in surprise, the elegant poise cracking just for a heartbeat, revealing a flicker of concern beneath her calm facade.
But she composed herself swiftly, her movements fluid as silk. She placed her hand over my eyes, her palm cool and steady against the heat radiating from me, gently closing my lids with a tenderness that felt like a balm.
"Shh, My Lord," she whispered, her voice a soft murmur weaving through the steam, close enough that I could feel the warmth of her breath on my cheek.
"There's no need to panic. I'm here with you."
Her words wrapped around the pain like a soothing veil, and I leaned into her touch, the world narrowing to the gentle pressure of her hand.
She guided me then, her fingers trailing from my face down to the curve of her neck, exposing the pale column of her throat where her pulse fluttered like a captured bird.
The scent of her skin bloomed stronger now—vanilla laced with that subtle spice, intoxicating in the humid air.
"Bite," she encouraged softly, her free hand cradling the back of my head. "Take what you need from me."
The urge took over once again, just like last night, and my fangs extended with a sharp ache, sinking into the soft give of her flesh. Warmth erupted as her blood flooded my mouth, rich and vital, tasting of sun-ripened strawberries mingled with a salty sweetness that danced on my tongue like forbidden nectar.
Each gulp was a rush, sliding down my throat in waves that quelled the fire in my eyes, restoring a clarity that had been slipping away.
Nyami's body trembled faintly against mine, but she held steady, her hand patting my head in rhythmic strokes, fingers threading through my freshly trimmed hair with affectionate care.
"That's it," she breathed, her voice husky now, laced with a quiet pleasure that mirrored the intimacy of the act.
"Drink until you are satisfied, Your Highness."
Time stretched in the haze of sensation—the steady thrum of her heartbeat syncing with mine, the water's gentle lap against the tub's edge a distant lullaby.
I savored the flow, the way it filled me, chasing away the shadows of raw desire and pain.
When the urgency ebbed, leaving me sated and steady, I pulled back slowly, my lips brushing her skin one last time as a faint trickle of blood beaded at the puncture marks.
They sealed almost instantly, her skin flawless once more, marked only by the flush creeping up her neck.
Nyami's eyes met mine, luminous and searching, a soft smile curving her lips.
"Are you fine now, My Lord? The redness in your eye has faded."
I nodded, exhaling a shaky breath, the taste of her lingering like a sweet afterimage.
"Yeah... yes, I am. Thank you, Nyami. That... it helped more than I can say."
She tilted her head, her pinkish-red hair cascading over one shoulder, damp strands clinging to the lace of her corset from the steam. But as the relief settled, many questions swirled in my mind.