The Unwanted Bride

Chapter 3: A new friend

Aurora POV

Aurora sighed as she sat in the quiet room as her thoughts began to wander. She had wondered why the small creature would bring a tub into the room, until she realized that it was probably for the queen. Her gaze dropped to the ring upon her hand, and the reality of the fact that she was now married to the queen began to settle in. She knew before now the purpose of her coming to this strange land, but she had somehow believed that marriage would be just for show. She had no doubt that she would have to appear with the Queen in front of the people within the kingdom, but that the queen would keep her within her own room in the palace, their marriage a falsehood. She had guessed however that, based on the queen’s reaction, reality was actually the opposite. She had not had a relationship with another woman before, and she had severe doubt that she would know how to act or what to do for the queen.

Her gaze shifted back to the door as it opened, four small creatures looking similar to the first entered. They were pushing a cart that carried several buckets that had steam escaping from them. The original imp stepped in after, and aurora could now see the small difference between the original and the four new imps. Instead of the gold, there was a soft green veining along their skin that looked like jungle vines. Aurora lifted slightly as she watched the cart stop next to the tub. She watched as the imps tried to grab eat large steaming bucket, one teetering closely to the edge. Aurora stood and walked over to the cart. Each imp stopped and stood stone still as they watched her.

“I’m just going to help. It’s only right that I do.” She spoke softly and grabbed hold of a bucket.

She could now see that each bucket held hot water, and she now guessed this was the water for the bath. She lifted a bucket, struggling only slightly with its weight, and emptied it into the tub. She waited a moment, saw that there was no protest, and set the empty bucket on the cart before continuing. After emptying ten large buckets full of hot water, steam was now rising from the tub. She saw that it was pleasantly full and nodded as she agreed that it would not overfill. She looked to the right as the original imp walked over with a large box and opened it to her. It held many different dried flowers and herbs, and she watched as the imp looked from it, to the tub, and back again. It now lifted its gaze to her, and she understood that it was asking her to add some to the water for the bath. She nodded and looked over the selection. She took hold of a small pile of dried lilacs and spread it over the water. She thought another moment and added a small pinch of lavenders and the small pitcher of warmed milk that another imp held out as well. She added them to the water and smiled as the soft smell wafted up to meet her.

The four extra imps bowed slightly and left the room. The imp that remained set the box on the cart and picked up a large towel that looked heavenly soft to the touch. It set the towel by the fire to keep warm and turned to the wardrobe. It pulled a flowing nightgown and moved to set it on the bed. It turned back to aurora and motioned to the chair for her to sit. She obliged and started as the imp started to untie the corset of her gown. A soft flush of embarrassment covered her cheeks as she stopped it and turned away.

“What are you doing?” She asked, confusion in her voice.

The imp tapped its foot impatiently and pointed to her and then to the steaming tub. After a moment her eyes widened slightly, and she nodded that she understood. The bath had been for her this whole time, and she had not known. She quietly sat back down and let the imp finish untying the dress in back, her hands holding the fabric to her in the front. When the Imp was done it moved away and pointed to the bath before bowing. It turned to leave, but Aurora stopped it.

“Wait, may I at least know your name?” She asked.

The imp watched her a moment, its large eyes blinking slowly before moving over to the cart. It opened the box and was rummaging around inside. Aurora stood and held the dress in place as she moved over as well. After a moment, the imp lifted out a simple lily bud and held it out to her. She took at and the imp pointed to the bud and then to itself. She nodded at the imp and held it in her hand.

“Lily.” She said, and watched it nod again. “Thank you, Lily. For helping me.”

The imp simply nodded once more before turning, and exiting the room. Aurora watched the door shut and looked over to the still steaming bath. She would wait a few more moments to ensure no one would enter the room before she stepped over to the marble tub. She let the dress drop from her body and pool on the floor for a moment. Now standing in her panties, she lifted the elegant gown and spread it out upon the empty table to keep it from becoming dirty. Her fingers ran over the fabric of the gown as she admired the intricate details upon it. She had hoped for a beautiful wedding gown of lace that clung to her form as a second skin, but this dress did well as a replacement.

She steps away from the gown and moves back over to the tub. She steps into the streaming water and settles down until her head rests against the edge. The water rests just above the valley of her breasts, the murky depth allowing her some modesty. The floral scents relax her and she hums softly to herself. She reaches up, removing the intricately crafted pins from her hair until her hair tumbles free outside of the tub. She quickly fashions her golden locks into a messy bun to keep them outside of the water. A few loose tendrals remain free and are left to barely touch the waters surface.

She leans back once more to rest in the water, her gaze towards the the fireplace. She watched the flame flick up into the air and snap towards the chimney to send embers into the sky. Her thoughts leave her, her troubles slowly melting away as the water relaxes her. Her eyes drift closed as she allows the scents to encompass her, calming the last of her troubled mind. Within a few moments she slips into a restful sleep, and remains that way as the bedroom door opens.