The Warrior King

Twenty

After Brielle was satisfied that my room was indeed the most extravagant place she had ever been, Shelby and Sarah walked her back to her room, leaving me alone for the first time since I was in the fields yesterday. Holy s**t! Was that really only yesterday? I looked around the room afraid to move or touch anything. My body ached from the weight of the armored leather pants that I still wore, so I decided a bath was in order.

I managed to undo the fasteners on the pants and then shed the rest of my clothing. A purple silk robe hung on a hook near the bathtub and I put it on while I drew my bath. Well, I would've done so if I hadn't been thoroughly confused on what to do. There were all kinds of knobs and levers, as well as a multitude of bottles with oils and lotions. I bit my bottom lip as I eyed the gold tasseled rope hanging nearby.

If I pulled the rope, it would summon one of the handmaidens. The thought of someone else coming in and doing something I should be able to do for myself made my stomach knot. On the other hand, it was clear that I had no clue what to do and I doubted it would look very good if the Queen Betrothed flooded the castle on her first day. Taking a deep breath, I gave the rope a solid tug.

Almost immediately, a young girl, about thirteen or fourteen came through a side door. She was dressed in a plain cornflower blue dress with a pretty gold belt and her beautiful red hair had been pulled back and braided.

“Hello Milady,” she said in a chipper voice. “I am Alexia, your Head of Chamber. Is there something I may assist you with?” Her voice was gentle but she spoke with authority.

“Uh yes well, I’m uh Sasha, and I can’t figure out how to work the bathing tub,” I managed to say.

“Let me take care of that for you. It can be a bit tricky if one has not done it before,” she said pleasantly. “Would you like me to add anything to the water? I am well versed in the oils we have in stock.” I nodded and she set to work. I tried to pay attention to which dials and levers she worked but I couldn’t keep up with her nimble fingers.

“Alexia, may I ask how old you are?”

“Of course. I turned fourteen this past winter,” she answered without even looking up.

“So how were you chosen for such an important role at such a young age?” I asked. The Head of Chamber was basically their employer’s right hand. They were responsible for carrying out any and all requests, as well as maintaining the chambers themselves and anticipating the needs of those around them. It was a great responsibility and usually designated to girls in their late teens.

“Lady Sarah knew my mother when they were children. When my mother passed, she asked my father if she could bring me here. She trained me specifically for this role,” Alexia answered. The tub was filled and the aromatic scent of lavender filled the room. Alexia dried her hands on a towel and then motioned me over to the tub. As I stepped in, she swiftly took my robe. I submerged my body and groaned as the hot water hit my aching muscles.

“If you like Milady, I am happy to massage your neck and shoulders,” Alexia offered. Too sore to speak, I merely nodded. She brought a stool and sat down next to the tub with my back to her. She placed a rolled up towel under my neck and began to work at the knots in my shoulders. Her fingers were strong and the movements were confident. As the tension began to melt away, I decided to question my captive audience a bit more.

“What is the Warrior King like?” I asked, closing my eyes.

“His Majesty is just as a ruler should be. He’s fair and kind, with a sense of duty. He treats all of his subjects with respect and he has no tolerance for liars, cheaters, and thieves. He adores children and has been known to rescue rabbits from the gardens,” Alexia said. The rhythm of her hands never slowed and I could tell she genuinely meant what she said. I decided that was what I wanted to hear so I jus focused on letting the stress flow from my body.

After what felt like hours, Alexia asked if I would like her to wash my hair. I said yes and she took great care in wetting it thoroughly, working the cleanser into a thick lather and then gently massaging my scalp as she worked her way through my curls. When she was done, she rinsed my hair with apple cider vinegar and then cold water. Wrapping my head in a towel, she went to retrieve a towel and my robe.

“Do I really have to get out?” I sighed. Alexia smiled.

“Yes Milady. I’m afraid dinner is soon and I have promised to get you there on time,” she said, holding up the towel. Groaning, I lifted my body out of the tub and allowed her to wrap the towel around me. While she allowed me to dry off, she went over and pulled the gold rope twice. Instantly two more young ladies appeared, this time both in soft yellow dresses with gold belts. They both had blonde hair that was braided along the crown of their heads they had sparkling blue eyes and it took me a moment to realize that I was seeing double. They were twins.

“Milady, this is Hannah and Grace. They are your other chambermaids,” Alexia said. The two girls bobbed up and down, curtsying.

“It is lovely to meet both of you,” I said.

“Likewise, Milady,” they chimed in unison.

“Hannah will you please fetch the dress that the king requested our lady wear tonight?” Alexia asked. One of the girls went scurrying off while the other joined Alexia and I at the vanity in my bedroom. While we waited for Hannah’s return, Grace began to attend to my face, while Alexia worked on my hair.

When Hannah returned, she held a beautiful emerald green satin dress. It was sleeveless and had a thin black belt around the waist. The dress had a slight train and with it were matching formal slippers. Hannah held it as I ran the fabric through my fingers.

“It’s beautiful,” I said in a quiet voice.

“His Majesty chose it for you himself,” Alexia said with a smile. “It was made by Raegin Li, the head of the clothier guild.” I was shocked. The dress I wore just last evening had been made by a seamstress from the village in exchange for splitting some wood. The beautiful green garment in front of me probably cost as much as ten cords of split wood. I gulped as I began to feel very very over my head.

“Would you like us to assist you in getting dressed?” Grace asked. I shook my head.

“No but I will probably need one of you to zip me up,” I said with a weak smile. I took the dress behind the modesty screen set up near my vanity. I could hear the girls shuffling around as I shrugged off the robe and stepped into my undergarments and then my dress. I marveled at how perfectly it fit, even though I couldn’t quite reach the zipper. Backing out from behind the screen, I asked for assistance. The zipper crawled slowly up my back and as I turned to thank my helper, I froze.

“I would have rather left it unzipped,” Tristan said, a sexy smile on his face. I swallowed hard, as I noticed the girls were nowhere in sight.

“I thought you were busy,” I managed to say. The slight gap between us disappeared as he put his arm around my waist and pulled me close to him.

“I was but the thought of you in that dress has had my mind occupied for the last hour,” he said, his voice low and husky. He leaned in and put his nose to the crook of my neck. I heard him inhale and realized that he was taking in my scent. “You smell amazing,” he murmured, his lips hovering above my skin. A fire lit in my lower belly and spread downward.

“Thank you,” I whispered. “Do I look presentable?” Tristan raised his head to look me in the eye.

“You look beautiful,” he said. There was a certain sincerity in his tone and I blushed. My eyes dropped from his and when they did, he growled. “Look at me.” My eyes snapped up.

“I- I- I’m sorry your Majesty,” I stammered. “Please forgive me.”

“Sasha, you must learn your worth,” he said. He gently laid his hand against my cheek. Without thinking, I ran my tongue across my lower lip. Instantly, Tristan’s eyes turned black and he firmly placed his lips on mine. I leaned into him, my lips parting. He groaned and gently worked his tongue into my mouth, stroking my tongue. It was my turn to make a noise and this caused him to tighten his grip on me. I could’ve stayed that way but the sound of a throat clearing had me draw back. Every fiber of my being seemed to be firing and snapping.

“My apologies for the interruption but your presence is required again to finish matters, your Majesty,” James stated. Tristan let out a few swear words before kissing me on the forehead.

“Enjoy dinner, angel. If you need anything, let Sarah or Shelby know,” he said to me.

“Will I see you again tonight?” Tristan grinned.

“Perhaps but definitely not here. I desired to see you in that dress, but I desire to see you without it even more,” and with that he left, a slightly embarrassed looking James following after.