Chapter 55: Lystra's Morning Sun.
Ava's POV
When I woke up, my hands instinctively searched for Raphael before my eyes even opened. The sheets were cold, and as my eyes blinked into the soft morning light, I confirmed what my fingers had already told me. He wasn’t here.
I sighed, brushing a strand of hair from my face. I told myself he was busy, probably handling one of the countless responsibilities that came with being a king. Still, a part of me couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment.
Moments later, the door creaked open, and Mia, one of the maids from the banquet ceremony, entered with a bright smile.
"My lady, you’re awake!" she greeted, her voice warm and cheerful. Behind her stood the quiet girl from the previous night, along with a few other maids whose faces I didn’t yet recognize.
“Good morning, Mia,” I replied with a gentle smile.
Mia’s face lit up. “My lady, you remembered my name!” she exclaimed, her excitement almost childlike.
I chuckled softly at her enthusiasm. “Of course, I did, Mia.” Then I gestured to the reserved girl standing behind her. “And what’s your name?”
“She’s called Callie, my lady,” Mia answered promptly, her voice brimming with pride for her companion.
“Hello, Callie,” I said, smiling at the girl. She looked so young, no older than sixteen or seventeen. Her timid demeanor tugged at something deep inside me, a protective instinct I couldn’t quite place. Maybe it’s because I know what it feels like to serve others from an early age. The quiet deference, the unspoken rules, the constant need to anticipate someone else’s desires or risk being punished, worse, killed. It’s all too familiar.
“Can you run an errand for me?” I asked gently.
Callie hesitated for a moment but then nodded. “Yes, my lady.”
I scribbled a quick note on a piece of parchment and handed it to her. “Go to the warriors’ lodge and check on Gwendolyn Saraif for me. If she’s awake, please give her this note.”
The note was simple:
Hi Gwen, how are you doing? I hope you’re fine. Can I come over so we can talk?
“Yes, my lady. I’ll be right back,” Callie said softly before hurrying out of the room with surprising swiftness.
With Callie gone, the remaining maids busied themselves with their duties. Mia began preparing my bath, and as she worked, I couldn’t help but let my curiosity get the better of me.
“Mia,” I began, “how was the magical bath created?” I have always been curious and fascinated by this.
She paused for a moment, looking at me with a flicker of confusion before responding. “My lady, I don’t know how to explain it properly, but the magical pool is a creation of the Mage Clan. It’s something only found in the homes of influential nobles, those with power and wealth.”
Her explanation intrigued me. “So, it’s a luxury?”
Mia nodded. “Yes, my lady. The Mage Clan created it to make life easier, especially for us maids. It’s enchanted to always provide the perfect temperature.”
“That’s fascinating. Thank you for explaining,” I said, offering her a grateful smile.
“You’re welcome, my lady. Your bath is ready.”
I stood, shrugging off my robes, and made my way to the bathing pool.
“Would you like us to scrub you, my lady?” Mia asked hesitantly.
I nearly laughed at the absurdity of the question, though I kept my expression composed. Scrub me? Absolutely not. I was still adjusting to the idea of being waited on so thoroughly, and the thought of someone bathing me felt far too indulgent.
“You don’t need to do that, Mia. I can handle it myself,” I assured her, my tone kind but firm.
“As you wish, my lady. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will,” I replied with a nod before stepping into the bath.
The water was deliciously warm, soothing the chill of the morning air. Steam rose in soft tendrils, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. The warmth seeped into my muscles, melting away the tension I hadn’t even realized I was carrying.
For a brief moment, I allowed myself to relax, closing my eyes and letting the serenity of the moment wash over me.
Maybe I can get used to this.
An hour later, I stepped out of the bath, feeling refreshed, and returned to my room. Callie was already there, waiting patiently, along with a different group of maids from earlier. One of them held a large bundle of flowers, white and blue roses mixed with lilies and a strange, exotic bloom I couldn’t name.
Mia greeted me with a warm smile and gestured toward the dressing table.
“My lady, please take a seat,” she said, pulling out a silver silky gown from a delicate case. The dress shimmered like stardust under the morning light, its one-shoulder design held together by a stunning brooch adorned with a sapphire stone. It wasn't clingy to my body, but the silhouette of my curves was palpable. The gown fell down straight, it wasn't puffy and wouldn't obstruct my moments.
As I admired the gown, Mia added, “The king sent these.” She nodded toward the flowers in the maid’s arms.
Intrigued, I waved the maid over, and she carefully handed me the bouquet. The scent was divine, a soft, intoxicating fragrance that filled the room. Attached to the arrangement was a small note in Raphael’s distinct handwriting.
“You are as beautiful as the sparkling night sky, you are Lystra's morning sun. Good morning, beautiful one. Love, Raphael.”
A smile spread across my face before I could stop it. The words were simple yet so thoughtful, and they warmed something deep inside me. For all his power and dominance, Raphael had a way of being unexpectedly sweet.
But my moment of bliss was short-lived. Callie stepped forward, holding out a folded piece of parchment. “Gwendolyn’s reply, my lady,” she said quietly.
I took the note and read it quickly, my mood souring with each word.
“Gwen doesn’t need the likes of you checking up on her.
P.S. Stay away from her. She has me now.”
The audacity. The nerve of this girl. My fingers tightened around the parchment as I resisted the urge to crumple it on the spot.
We’ll see about that.
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