had spent weeks with tribes where they barely kept a leather patch on to cover their privates, so I did not have any qualms about my own nakedness. “I’m the one who jumped into the bath, to begin with. I had no idea you were coming.”
“That is my mistake, my lady. I should have been here already,” the girl replied, her voice trembling. She felt awful, and I needed to get her out of this state. It wasn’t like she’d offended me in any way. “I should have been here to greet you. I am late, and I am sorry.”
“Please, there is no need to worry.” I sighed, smiling at her. “As you can see, everything is okay. So, you’re my handmaiden, huh?”
Zurah exhaled, as if a huge weight had just been lifted from her shoulders. I had a feeling she would’ve gotten in major trouble if I’d told anyone that I’d run my own bath. It probably had something to do with the service etiquette—likely very strict and punitive toward the servants.
“Milady, I am here to serve you and make sure you’re well taken care of while in these chambers,” she said. “Again, forgive me for my tardiness. I only learned I’d be serving you a few minutes ago.”
“That’s okay. Seriously. I won’t tell anyone, if that’s what you’re worried about, Zurah. It’s perfectly normal to be late.”
She smiled, completely relaxed, all of a sudden. “Thank you. I don’t know what I would’ve done, had I displeased you in any way. I like my job here.”
“You’re not an Aeternae, are you?”
She shook her head. “No, milady. I’m from Rimia. I’ve been in the palace service for six moons, now. While it can be… complicated, at times, I do enjoy it very much.”
“I see. So, you like living with the Aeternae?” I asked, curious to get insights from the occupied nations, as well, and not just their conquerors.
Zurah stared at me for a moment, then walked over to a corner cabinet I hadn’t even noticed until now. A dark blue velvet dress rested on a coat hanger, hooked against the wall next to it. I’d been so absorbed with the tub and the beautiful brass details and fragranced oils that I’d completely ignored the southern part of the bathroom. There were watercolor illustrations of ocean fauna and flora mounted on the wall, fitted in brushed brass frames that matched the bathroom fixtures. Zurah took out a large white towel from the cabinet and placed it on a small stool next to the tub.
“I am treated well,” she said flatly. But I wasn’t satisfied with that answer.
“But are you happy?”
She threw me a half-smile. “I can provide for myself and my family, milady. That makes me happy.”
I nodded slowly, understanding that she would not tell me more—at least not at this stage in our relationship. I hoped I would get her to open up, later down the road. The tension was already filling the air, and I’d made her slightly uncomfortable, so I pointed at the dress. “Is that for me?”
“Yes, milady. We have gowns and dresses ready for guests at all times, in line with palace etiquette and color codes. Our lord and lady supreme are quite specific in their preferences for those who come here, even for a night or two.”
“It’s beautiful,” I murmured, gazing at its flowing midnight blue velvet skirt, fitted over a crinoline undergarment. Its tight sleeves would likely feel like a second skin, and the bodice was made with silver thread, adorned with delicate diamonds.
“The lady supreme’s style artist handles all the dress designs for our female guests,” Zurah replied, lovingly gazing at the dress. It stood out all on its own, so one could only imagine what it would look like on a woman, how curves would amplify the beauty and the intricate embroidery. “Would you like to come out now? I’m worried you might get all pruny if you stay in the water for too long.”
“Yes, I think it’s time, before I fall asleep. It’s so relaxing.”
She giggled and stretched the towel out for me, staring to the side so as not to see me naked. I got out of the tub and took over from Zurah, wrapping the towel around myself. She bowed politely, moving toward the door. “I will be in the lounge, waiting, milady,” she said. “Please, put the dress on. There are undergarments in the bottom drawer of the cabinet. I’ll prepare your shoes and jewelry, in the meantime.”
“Thank