THUMP!
"Hehe! SAFE!"
Nat burst dramatically into the main room, her face glowing with triumph. She was smiling brilliantly, striking an exaggerated victory pose with her arms raised high above her head like a champion athlete. She'd just finished her shower, and was wrapped in nothing but a single fluffy white towel that barely covered her chest and reached down to her upper thighs, leaving most of her smooth legs exposed.
Fresh droplets of water slid slowly down her damp skin, trailing paths along her shoulders, arms, and legs. The moisture made her body shimmer beautifully in the warm morning sunlight streaming through the tall windows. She held the dramatic pose for a long moment, savoring her victory, then broke into delighted laughter.
Nat turned toward Maid Emmy, who stood perfectly straight and professional near the wardrobe, patiently waiting to assist her Princess with dressing.
"Hehe, Emmy, aren't I absolutely great?" Nat said proudly, practically glowing with satisfaction. "I totally defeated that disgusting pervert and even cleaned up all the evidence afterward! Now, just tell everyone to keep their mouths completely shut about what happened. Otherwise, this princess will personally throw them down from the rock districts! Hohoho, I am the best!"
Nat started dancing lightly around the room, humming happily to herself as she moved forward with bouncing steps. Her wet hair sneaking out of her head towel swung around her shoulders, sending small droplets flying.
"Umm, Princess?" Maid Emmy said, looking at the happy girl with a playful glint dancing in her eyes. "I still don't actually know what happened inside that room, so how exactly can I tell anyone else to keep quiet about it? What precisely happened in there with Mr. Kane?"
"Hehe, that bastard tried to use some kind of weird energy tool on me!" Nat explained enthusiastically, her face twisting through a rapid series of expressive emotions—anger, disgust, triumph. "He was trying to play with my mind, control me like some puppet! But this princess is so incredibly awesome that I broke through it and punched his little disgusting... thing! Right in his pathetic crotch!"
She made a punching motion in the air, her eyes sparkling with vicious satisfaction.
"I feel so good finally punishing that stinky bastard after all these years. GRRR, eww, disgusting perverted man! THU THU!" Nat made spitting motions, trying to get rid of the bad taste the memory left in her mind.
She continued walking forward joyfully, closing her eyes to savor the sweet taste of victory. A dreamy smile spread across her face. "Hehe, and Zack will never know about any of it. Perfect! Now, where is my beautiful dress? I'm going to dress up so incredibly beautifully that Zack will be absolutely stun—GAH!!"
Nat's joyful smile froze completely on her face as she turned toward the bed where her clothes were laid out. Her clothes were there, yes—but so was someone else.
A man sat casually on the edge of her bed, watching her with a blank, unreadable expression.
Zack!!
Nat stopped dead in the middle of her victory dance, her body going rigid. Her face flushed a deep, burning crimson that spread from her cheeks all the way down her neck. She quickly lowered her head, unable to meet his eyes, and stood up straight. Her hands fidgeted nervously with her fingers, twisting them together like a child caught doing something wrong.
"Zack... when... when did you come in?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. She tried desperately hard to calm her racing heart, which was pounding so loud she was sure he could hear it.
Maid Emmy smiled mischievously, clearly enjoying the scene immensely. She gave a small, knowing bow and quietly slipped out of the room, closing the door softly behind her. The click of the latch sounded incredibly loud in the sudden silence.
Nat stood completely rooted to the spot, unable to move. This time, the droplets sliding down her skin weren't just leftover bathwater—they were mixed with the cold sweat of pure embarrassment and crushing guilt. She could feel his eyes on her, burning into her.
Zack remained seated on the bed for a long, agonizingly quiet minute, doing absolutely nothing but watching her. He didn't speak, didn't move, just observed her with that blank expression that gave nothing away. The silence stretched between them like pulled taffy, thick and suffocating.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he rose from the bed and crossed the room toward her with an unhurried, deliberate stride. Each footstep seemed to echo in her ears. When he reached her frozen form, he carefully lifted the damp towel she'd wrapped around her wet hair.
Her long, soaking hair spilled free immediately, the wet strands clinging to her shoulders and brushing against the towel draped across her chest. A few longer strands trailed down her back, some of them catching on the fabric and anchoring it in place. Water dripped steadily onto the floor.
Gently, almost tenderly, Zack tipped her face upward with his fingers under her chin. Her face was still flushed deep red with guilt and embarrassment, her eyes unable to quite meet his. He used the towel from her hair to carefully wipe away the lingering moisture from her face—her forehead, her cheeks, around her ears.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice gentle and concerned.
Nat looked up properly for the first time and saw Zack smiling warmly at her. Not angry, not disappointed—just genuinely concerned for her wellbeing. She nodded silently, not trusting her voice yet.
"I told you to be careful, right?" Zack continued, his hand now moving to dry her naked shoulder with slow, careful movements. Water droplets rolled down her skin under his touch. "And why did you meet him completely alone like that? You know perfectly well he won't miss any chance to harass you. He's been obsessed for years."
"I'm so sorry, Zack," Nat spoke meekly, her voice small and apologetic. She struggled to maintain eye contact, shame making her want to look away. "I just... I thought I could face him now. I thought I was strong enough, that having you in my life made me braver. I didn't expect him to actually use a mind control tool inside the palace itself. I was stupid. I'm so sorry."
"Hmm. I think I understand." Zack's eyes sharpened, and he closed the distance between them until their bodies nearly touched. His voice dropped, low and urgent. "You got overconfident in this new drive of yours and let yourself enjoy a bit of happiness — and you slipped. It's fine - this time, since nothing truly terrible happened, but you need to understand something, Nat. You can't let him keep playing with you. One day you have to KILL HIM!. And if you won't do it… then I WILL!!." His voice dropped to something deadly serious, almost cold.
He threw the wet hair towel aside carelessly. It landed on a nearby chair with a soft thump.
Seeing the dangerous fire burning in his eyes, the absolute conviction in his expression, Nat couldn't possibly refuse or argue. She simply nodded firmly, accepting what needed to be done.
"Pheww, fine. Good girl," Zack said, his expression softening again. He patted her head affectionately and then slowly stroked her cheeks with his thumb. The gentle touch sent warmth spreading through her chest.
Nat immediately calmed down under his tender ministrations, leaning into his touch with a warm, grateful smile. She closed her eyes briefly, savoring the feeling of safety and love.
But just as she was about to speak, to thank him—
"AAA!"
Zack's fingers suddenly gripped both her ears firmly, not painfully but definitely commanding her attention.
"But what is this I heard about hiding evidence?" he asked, his tone playful but with an edge of seriousness. "Are you trying to lie to me, my lovely Nat? Trying to keep secrets from your lover?"
He gave her ears a gentle but firm tug.
"OW! Zack! I'm sorry! I'm really sorry!" she cried out immediately, though she was smiling cutely despite the pinch. "I just panicked when I realized you might find out! I didn't want you to worry or get angry! I won't hide anything from you ever again, I absolutely promise! I'm sorrryyy!"
Nat moved closer to him, pressing her body deliberately against his. Her naked thigh brushed against his leg through his pants as she tried to charm her way out of trouble with physical affection.
TAK!
Zack gently flicked her forehead with his finger, making her blink.
Then he released her ears and instead grabbed her waist with both hands, pulling her into a tight embrace. Their faces ended up inches apart due to their similar heights, their eyes locked on each other. She could feel his breath on her lips.
"You better be completely truthful to me in the future!" Zack said, smiling despite his stern words. "No more secrets, no more hiding things. Got it, my cute Ms. Auliffee Carney?"
Without waiting for any reply, he closed the remaining distance and pressed his lips firmly against hers.
"Ummm... SRLPPP... AAH... MMMM...MMMFFF…"
Zack kissed her deeply, passionately, holding her waist incredibly tight. His fingers dug into the soft towel there. Nat practically melted into him like butter in the sun, her entire body going soft and pliant. Her back arched backward slightly as she returned the kiss with equal passion and hunger.
She gripped his shoulders desperately for support, her nails digging slightly into the fabric of his shirt. The towel around her body rode dangerously high up her thighs from the movement, threatening to ride above her crotch.
Their lips moved together urgently, tongues dancing, breaths mixing. The world around them disappeared completely.
"Huff... huff... okay, Dear... I will," Nat finally gasped when they broke apart for air, her chest heaving. Her face was completely red, flushed with desire and emotion. "I'll never hide anything from you again. I promise."
Zack smiled with satisfaction and helped her stand up straight, steadying her shaky legs. Then his expression turned playful and commanding.
"NOW SING FOR ME," he ordered suddenly.
He placed his right hand firmly on her back and intertwined the fingers of his left hand with her right hand, lifting their joined hands up into a proper dancing position.
Still in a pleasant daze from the intense kiss, Nat blinked in confusion. She automatically placed her free hand on his shoulder, her body following the familiar dance position. "What? Zack, what are you—"
Before she could finish protesting, Zack began to sway, gently leading her in a very slow, intimate couple's dance. Their bodies moved together in perfect rhythm.
"Zack, what are you doing?!" Nat whispered urgently, suddenly very aware of her state of undress. "I'm practically naked right now! Let me at least put on a beautiful dress first! I'm just in a towel! My hair is still wet and messy!"
She felt mortified to be dancing like this—in nothing but a damp towel that barely covered her body, her hair still dripping water down her back.
"I saw you dancing just a moment ago when you burst in here shouting 'SAFE!'" Zack teased, pulling her even closer until there was no space between their bodies. "If you can dance around so happily then, why not dance with me now? What's the difference?"
He smiled warmly at her flustered expression. "Don't worry so much. You look absolutely beautiful to me exactly as you are. Besides, I'm only asking you to dance because I AM ACTIVELY CONTROLLING MYSELF RIGHT NOW. SO SING FOR ME BEFORE I LOSE THAT CONTROL AND STRIP YOU COMPLETELY NAKED."
He whispered those last words directly into her ear, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine as they continued to sway together like grass moving gently in a soft wind.
"Geez, fine. You win," Nat smiled despite her embarrassment, then leaned in and kissed his cheek lovingly. "Anything for my dear, hehe. I can never refuse you."
She rested her head against his strong shoulder and closed her eyes, allowing her entire body to relax fully in his secure arms. She could feel his heartbeat against her chest, steady and strong. With his hand steady and reassuring at her back, guiding her movements, she began to hum a soft, hauntingly beautiful melody.
She trusted him completely to lead her through the slow, gentle sway of the dance, her feet moving automatically in sync with his.
Time itself seemed to slow down around them, suspended in the soothing, ethereal sound of her voice. They moved together in perfect harmony—unhurried, tender, and completely wrapped up in the intimate moment. The sunlight streaming through the windows bathed them in golden light.
Nothing else existed but the two of them, moving as one, lost in their own private world.
The melody floated through the air, filling every corner of the room with warmth and love.
( Song -- https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LW-iFPR1IZKYQdgJ6hF-_VfOI-b1iem-?usp=sharing)
.
.
After a while, the melody gradually faded away into silence. Nat kept her head rested peacefully on his shoulder as their movement slowed and finally came to a complete stop. They stood still, just holding each other.
Zack touched the back of her neck gently, his fingers trailing along her skin.
"Isn't my Nat perfect in every single way?" he mused aloud, his voice filled with genuine wonder and affection. "Her voice is absolutely magical, like an angel singing. Her beauty is completely out of this world, beyond description. And her dancing could melt any man's heart into a puddle."
Nat opened her eyes slowly and beamed at him, her smile radiant. "Hehe, right? I am totally perfect. You have excellent taste in women! heheheh"
Zack leaned down and kissed her forehead tenderly, his lips lingering there for a long moment. "Thank you for loving me, Nat. For choosing me. I love you, now and always."
He pulled her into a full, tight embrace, wrapping his arms completely around her.
"Thank you, Dear, for loving me too," she whispered against his chest, her voice thick with emotion. "I love you now and always. Forever and beyond."
They stood together in the quiet room for a long, peaceful moment, just breathing each other in, hearts beating in sync.
TAAK TAAK.
A soft, polite knocking at the door suddenly broke the spell.
They reluctantly pulled apart, their hands lingering a moment longer than necessary. Zack brushed a thumb across her cheek, a mischievous smirk tugging at one corner of his mouth.
"Dress properly, you shameless thing," he teased.
"Shu! Shu! You started it!" Nat laughed, batting at him as he moved toward the door. "Just wait — you'll see me transform into an even more beautiful maiden. I'll take your breath away!"
Zack paused at the door, hand on the handle, then turned back with a wicked grin. He threw it open theatrically.
"Ahem," he called, loud enough for the people waiting outside to hear. "Ladies, please come in and punish this woman for her terrible ignorance and shamelessness. I am a gentleman — I'll courteously leave her punishment to your capable hands."
Zack stepped aside dramatically, gesturing them inside like a butler.
Several girls immediately entered the room with predatory glints in their eyes and matching mischievous grins on their faces. They looked like a pack of wolves who'd just spotted vulnerable prey.
"Leave it to me! I'll fix her right up!" Maren shouted enthusiastically, raising her hand high for a high-five.
CLAP!
Zack high-fived her with equal enthusiasm as she rushed inside, already rolling up her sleeves.
"Don't worry at all, Zack. I'll definitely fix her," Fia said quietly, though there was a dangerous gleam in her usually calm eyes.
CLAP!
She followed Maren inside with a small smile.
"Big Brother Zack, I will do my absolute best!" Sio chirped happily, bouncing on her feet with excitement.
CLAP!
She skipped inside, practically vibrating with energy.
"Good work calling us, Zack," Miss Emmy said with her professional smile, though she looked a bit shy but still she slowly raised her hand for a high-five.
CLAP!
"Hehe, have fun, ladies! Bye!" Zack waved playfully at the stunned Nat and closed the door firmly, leaving his beloved completely alone with the group of laughing "devils."
The door clicked shut with an ominous finality.
New droplets immediately started sliding down Nat's body—but this time, it wasn't bathwater or embarrassment. It was the pure, cold sweat of absolute terror as she watched the hungry women slowly close in on her from all sides, blocking any escape routes.
"GAH! ZACK, YOU TRAITOR! I HATE YOU, ZACKKKK!!!" Nat screamed at the closed door. "AAA!!!! KYAAA!!! HAHAHAH!!! GIRLS, WAIT! WE CAN TALK ABOUT THIS! STTOPPPP!!! NOOO!!!! NOT THE HAIR! ANYTHING BUT—AAAHHH!!!"
Nat's pitiful screams and desperate pleas echoed loudly through the entire hallway, mixing with the sound of feminine laughter. The chaos could probably be heard throughout half the palace.
.
Outside, Zack walked away calmly with the Big Guy, who had been waiting patiently in silence near the door. They strolled down the corridor together as Nat's screams slowly faded into the distance behind them.
"Brother Blake," Zack said casually as they walked, his hands in his pockets. "Take care of Nat today exactly as we discussed earlier. Don't leave her alone in any circumstances!"
Blake smiled, his broad frame somehow radiating steady reliability.
"Don't worry, Brother Zack," he said warmly. "Everyone is doing their absolute best, and I'll also do my best by protecting Big Sister Nat. No one will harm her."
He tilted his head, curiosity softening his features. "So—where are we heading now? Aren't you going to wait for her to finish getting ready?"
"Hmm, I can't wait," Zack answered, his expression becoming more serious. He clenched his fist tightly, jaw setting with determination. "I need to treat Uncle Jorri and that lady's son first. Their conditions are urgent."
"I can't cure them fully yet since there condition is much worse than other," he admitted, frustration clear in his voice. "But getting them out of immediate danger will be enough for now. I can stabilize them at least."
"Aren't you becoming quite useful lately?" Big Guy teased, nodding approvingly. "Did you eat something weird that boosted your abilities? Or maybe all that time with Big Sister Nat improved your skills?"
"I've always been useful," Zack smirked confidently.
"Yes, that's true," Big guy agreed easily. "But maybe just a tiny bit less useful than me in most areas."
"Oh, you're completely wrong about that," Zack countered immediately. "I'm way more useful than you in every possible way."
"Nope. Factually incorrect," Big guy said with a smirk of his own, shaking his head. "I'm objectively better than you at everything. Indoors, I'm the absolute best at house stuff—cooking, cleaning, organizing. Outdoors, I'm the strongest fighter by far. So mathematically, Brother Zack is ranked much lower than me."
"Hehe, Big Guy is getting way ahead of himself," Zack laughed. "I could defeat you in literally a hundred different ways without breaking a sweat."
"And I only need one single punch to completely obliterate your weak body," Big guy replied cheerfully. "Just one. That's all it would take."
"First, you'd have to actually land that stupid punch," Zack shot back. "By the time your big ass starts to move, you'll already be sleeping unconscious on the ground. I'm way too fast for you."
"Big words from someone I could crush like a bug..."
The two men continued to bicker playfully and trade increasingly ridiculous insults as they walked down the hallway, their voices gradually fading as they disappeared around a corner and headed toward the palace exit.
Behind them, Nat's muffled screams could still be faintly heard, mixed with uncontrollable laughter of pain.
It was going to be a very long morning for the Princess.
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END OF CHAPTER
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AUTHOR BLABBERING
Hello, dear readers! Did you catch the song I shared? I wonder if it made you smile a little. It was just a playful experiment, much like the images I post alongside my writing. For me, these little extras breathe life into the words, turning them into something more vivid and engaging.
I know some folks feel hesitant about AI, but I think using it for concepts, imagination, and creative sparks is perfectly fine. After all, life only gives us so much time and energy — why not use every tool we can to make the story feel alive?
I truly hope you're enjoying this journey: the words, the visuals, the sounds — all stitched together to create a world we can share. Keep smiling, stay healthy, and let's meet again in the next chapter with even more surprises waiting for you!
Until then, keep your curiosity glowing and your heart open. 🌟
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