Chapitre 8: unexpected kiss

As the night deepened, the intensity of Esteria's training session finally subsided. El-Kharis, ever watchful, escorted her back to her quarters, his presence a comforting shadow at her side. He exchanged a brief nod with the head maid, who curtsied with grace, acknowledging the silent command to take over from here.

Once inside, Esteria's muscles ached with the residue of exertion. Her body felt heavier than usual, every movement a reminder of the grueling session she had just endured. The maids approached her with practiced ease, their hands gentle yet efficient as they began to undress her. The layers of clothing, which had clung to her sweat-slicked skin, were peeled away one by one, revealing the pale, almost translucent surface beneath. Her skin shimmered in the dim light, like moonlight on fresh snow, a testament to her ethereal beauty.

The maids led her to the adjacent room, where a large marble bath awaited her. The room was filled with the soft glow of candlelight, casting flickering shadows on the high walls, and the scent of lavender hung heavy in the air, mingling with the warmth of the steam that rose from the bath. The bath itself was a masterpiece—an oval-shaped basin carved from a single slab of white marble, veined with streaks of gold that caught the candlelight and reflected it in a soft, ambient glow.

As Esteria stepped into the warm, milky water, a shiver of relief coursed through her body, the heat soothing her sore muscles and easing the tension from her bones. The maids set to work immediately, their hands moving in synchronized patterns, each movement precise and deliberate. They began by scrubbing her body with a soft soap infused with lavender, its fragrance enveloping Esteria in a cocoon of tranquility. The lather was rich and creamy, and the maids used it to massage her tired limbs, working the suds into her skin in slow, circular motions.

The lavender worked its magic, the scent easing the remnants of fatigue from her mind while the maids continued their diligent ministrations. Every stroke of their hands was like a balm, soothing the burns of her training, while the warm water washed away the impurities and aches of the day. Esteria's eyes fluttered shut as she leaned back against the edge of the bath, surrendering herself to the indulgence.

After a thorough cleansing, the maids rinsed her off, letting the milky water cascade down her body in rivulets, carrying away the last remnants of soap. They then applied a delicate oil to her skin, their hands working in tandem to spread it evenly over her body. The oil was light and fragrant, infused with hints of jasmine and rose, and it left a subtle sheen on her skin, enhancing its natural luminescence. It was as if her skin drank in the oil, becoming softer, smoother, and more radiant with each passing moment.

With Esteria's body now pampered to perfection, the maids turned their attention to her hair. Her long, lustrous locks cascaded down her back like a waterfall of midnight silk, shimmering in the candlelight. The maids combed through her hair with deft fingers, untangling the strands and smoothing them out until they lay in a sleek, shining sheet. They worked in silence, the only sound the gentle rustling of hair against fabric and the occasional splash of water.

Once her hair was thoroughly detangled, the maids began the delicate process of fixing it. They wove the strands together, creating an intricate ombre effect that blended seamlessly from dark ebony at the roots to a soft, silvery white at the tips. The final touch was a loose braid that hung down her back, its ends tied with a simple ribbon. The effect was stunning—her hair seemed to shimmer with its own inner light, complementing her pale skin and accentuating the sharp angles of her face.

With her hair now perfectly styled, the maids guided her out of the bath and dried her off with thick, fluffy towels. They patted her skin dry with careful attention, ensuring that every drop of water was absorbed before helping her into a soft, pink nightgown. The gown was made of the finest silk, its fabric cool against her warm skin. It clung to her figure in all the right places, the pale pink hue contrasting beautifully with her porcelain complexion. The gown's neckline was modest, adorned with delicate lace that added a touch of femininity, while the long sleeves brushed against her wrists, adding to the overall feeling of comfort and luxury.

Once dressed, Esteria was led to a plush armchair by the window, where a small table had been set up with a sumptuous meal. The maids brought in a tray laden with an array of dishes, each one carefully prepared and presented with artistic flair. There was a bowl of creamy mushroom soup, its surface dusted with freshly chopped herbs; a plate of tender roast chicken, glazed with a honey-mustard sauce that glistened under the light; and a side of roasted vegetables, their edges crisp and caramelized to perfection. A small dish of buttered mashed potatoes completed the meal, along with a glass of chilled white wine that sparkled like liquid gold.

As Esteria took her first bite, she couldn't help but close her eyes in pleasure. The flavors were exquisite, each mouthful a burst of richness and warmth that spread through her like a soothing balm. The soup was velvety and smooth, the earthy taste of mushrooms perfectly balanced by the freshness of the herbs. The chicken was succulent and juicy, the sweetness of the honey-mustard glaze a perfect counterpoint to the savory meat. The vegetables were crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, their natural sweetness enhanced by the roasting process. Even the mashed potatoes were a delight, their creamy texture melting on her tongue with a buttery finish.

Esteria ate slowly, savoring each bite, her senses heightened by the lingering effects of her bath. The wine was the perfect accompaniment, its crisp, fruity notes cutting through the richness of the food and leaving a refreshing aftertaste. By the time she had finished her meal, a contented sigh escaped her lips, her body and mind completely at ease.

The maids quickly cleared the table, their movements swift and efficient as they removed the empty plates and tidied up the room. Esteria, now drowsy from the combination of the bath, the food, and the wine, barely noticed as they worked. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she felt herself sinking deeper into the plush cushions of the armchair. The world around her blurred at the edges, the soft candlelight flickering in and out of focus.

The maids, sensing her exhaustion, gently guided her to the large bed that dominated the room. They pulled back the covers and helped her slip between the cool, crisp sheets. The bed was like a cloud, its softness enveloping her, cradling her in its embrace. Esteria barely had time to register the sensation before sleep claimed her, pulling her down into its depths with a gentle, irresistible tug.

As she drifted off, the maids quietly finished their tasks, extinguishing the candles and ensuring that everything was in order before slipping out of the room. The door closed softly behind them, leaving Esteria to her dreams, her body and soul finally at rest after a day of relentless training.

...

As she slowly opened her eyes, she was met with an intense gaze that seemed to pierce through her very soul. His electrifying blue eyes were fixed on hers, burning with an inner fire that made her heart skip a beat. His cold hands cupped her cheeks, sending shivers down her spine as his touch ignited a flutter in her chest.

She stiffened at first, unsure of how to react to his sudden closeness, but her body seemed to have a mind of its own. His long white hair cascaded down his shoulders, framing his chiseled features like a work of art. His hands moved from her cheeks to her lips, tracing the outline of her mouth with a gentleness that belied the intensity in his eyes.

As his fingers made contact with her skin, she felt her body instantly respond, her temperature rising, and butterflies taking flight in her stomach. It was as if her body was betraying her, surrendering to his touch without her consent. His eyes never left hers, holding her captive with a silent demand that she couldn't resist.

Then, without warning, he leaned in, his lips crashing down on hers in a kiss that left her breathless. It was intense, passionate, and all-consuming, leaving her no choice but to surrender to the emotions swirling inside her. As their lips moved in perfect sync, she felt her defenses crumble, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum.

Her mind was a jumble of emotions, her thoughts tangled in a web of desire, fear, and uncertainty. But her body knew exactly what it wanted, responding to his touch with a fervor that left her gasping for air. She felt like she was drowning in his eyes, losing herself in the depths of his gaze.

As the kiss deepened, she felt her resistance melt away, her body betraying her with a fervor that she couldn't control. She was lost in the moment, her heart pounding in her chest, her soul crying out for more.

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