章 20: This morning?!
The next morning, Arthur found himself slowly waking up on the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, a soft sigh escaping his lips as he took a moment to collect himself.
The dim sunlight streamed through heavy crimson curtains, casting a warm, hazy glow across the opulent bedroom. It was a room adorned with intricate tapestries and antique furniture that exuded an old-world charm.
"She completely drained me... can't believe we still went six more rounds after that," Arthur spoke, his voice carrying a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction.
He turned his head to the side, searching for Ella, but she was nowhere to be found. His gaze shifted further, and there, standing at the bedside in a form-fitting maid's uniform, was Sina.
Her ebony hair was elegantly pulled back into a sleek ponytail, cascading down her back. The low neckline of her uniform hinted at her alluring allure, and her emerald eyes shimmered with an enigmatic gleam.
"Good morning, Young Master Aether," Sina greeted with a subtle nod, her gaze maintaining a respectful distance as she acknowledged his presence.
The room seemed to hum with a subtle tension, an unspoken energy that lingered in the air. The silk sheets beneath Arthur were cool against his skin, a stark contrast to the heat of the night before.
He couldn't help but feel a swirl of emotions – from the lingering passion of the previous night to the intrigue of Sina's unexpected appearance.
As he collected his thoughts, the grandeur of the room enveloped him once more. Gilded mirrors adorned the walls, reflecting the intricate patterns of the Persian rugs that sprawled across the polished marble floor.
A chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting prismatic rainbows of light across the room. The scent of fresh flowers and burning incense wafted through the air, creating a heady atmosphere that was as intoxicating as it was luxurious.
"Sina," Arthur spoke softly as he slowly rose from the bed. He settled himself at the edge of the grand four-poster bed, his eyes sweeping across the immaculate room.
The room was a testament to Sina's meticulous care, every surface gleaming with a polished perfection.
'She cleaned all of this?' he marveled silently, though he refrained from voicing his wonder. Instead, he stood and began to cross the room, his every movement graceful and fluid.
As he approached a massive wooden table, his fingers deftly began to unbutton his shirt, revealing the sculpted contours of his chest.
"If you're here, I'm guessing you must have checked up on the female warriors," Arthur remarked, his voice resonating with a calm authority as he pulled his shirt off.
Sina, still maintaining her poised stance, nodded in response. "Yes, I have," she confirmed.
Her eyes, like twin emeralds, held his gaze with unwavering devotion. "They appear to be fitting in nicely with the rest; you have nothing to worry about".
Arthur's questioning gaze turned towards Sina, his brows furrowing in curiosity. "Okay, what's with the outfit... and your change in behavior?" he inquired, his tone tinged with a hint of intrigue.
In response, a radiant smile blossomed across Sina's lips, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You noticed~~!" she exclaimed, a playful lilt in her voice. "Lady Luna told me to wear this and act as your maid for the day."
Arthur's surprise was palpable as he continued to disrobe, the clothes falling in a haphazard pile at his feet. "Mom asked you to?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, he remained focused on his routine, knowing the day ahead held challenges that required his full attention.
Sina moved gracefully towards him, her dainty hands reaching out to collect his discarded garments. Each movement was a study in grace and poise as she carefully folded the clothing.
"Yes," she affirmed with a nod, her eyes never leaving him. "She said I should look after you, since the contest was about to start, which wasn't supposed to happen for another week or so."
In his underwear, Arthur reached for the towel on the rack and tied it around his waist, "So when was it shifted to then? I wasn't exactly informed."
"Oh, that is true." Sina uttered, her finger on her cheeks as she looked up, suddenly, she clapped her hands together and replied with a smile, "It was shifted to this morning".
Arthur immediately paused, looking back at Sina, "What?!".
….
Arthur, freshly bathed and with a towel draped loosely around his waist, stood before an ornate mirror that adorned the wall of his lavishly appointed bathroom.
"When did mother make this decision?" he inquired, using his long fingers to sweep his dark hair up in a deliberate fashion, his reflection regarding him with a regal calm.
Sina, who had retrieved a finely tailored garment from the wardrobe, approached him with graceful steps. She carried herself with an air of unwavering dedication as she answered his question.
"The whole village did, well, Lady Luna brought it up" she explained, her voice carrying a note of pride and reverence. "They couldn't bring themselves to go through with the tradition without you. You are the prophecy they've all been waiting for after all."
"Even if Master loses," Sina continued, her eyes never wavering from Arthur's form, "you'd still be our leader. Although I doubt you'd lose." Her words carried a hint of faith. "In any case, the women are the ones battling, to see who is worthy to fight by your side as the second in command."
"Interesting," Arthur murmured, his reflection in the ornate mirror regarding him with a hint of contemplation.
Internally, he couldn't help but acknowledge his mother's influence, recognizing the underlying strategy in her decision.
'Mother must be behind this, but in a way, I understand the point. As long as I still battle them, it will prove I am the dominant one, and that's all that matters.'
Sina, dressed in her maid's uniform, stood by his side, holding a vibrant yellow outfit that had been meticulously crafted by the skilled hands of the village women.
The garment possessed an air of mystery, its intricate design catching the eye and leaving an indelible impression.
"We should hurry up," Sina suggested, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency. "The event has already started, I'm sure the village head Asorth and Lady Luna are waiting for you."
Arthur let out a resigned sigh, his shoulders relaxing as he accepted the inevitable. "Of course," he replied, his tone conveying a sense of readiness. It was as though he had anticipated that this day would come, that the weight of leadership and destiny would continue to shape his path.
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