Chapter 5

Maris burst through the door with Melvian following close behind. Her best friend closed the door and locked it before releasing the breath she was holding. Maris sat on the edge of her bed, her hands trembling with fear. She'd been nervous about serving drinks inside the throne room. She never thought she would bump into the princess herself. Of course, Maris had to make a fool of herself by dropping the tray with all the drinks. But then she saw her.

Princess Valda was so close, yet so far away, consumed by pain and anger. Nobody could help her. She needed to do something to stop her from suffering. A shiver ran down her spine as she thought about what could have happened if she had not been strong enough to hold the princess back.

Melvian sat beside her, trying to reassure her. "Stop. You didn't do anything wrong," she whispered. "You did what you had to do. The princess was out of control."

"It wasn't my place to do anything." Maris looked up at Melvian, her eyes wide with fear. "But what will happen now? What if I get kicked out for what I did?"

Melvian shook her head. "I don't think that will happen."

"They took her away…" Maris mumbled. "There was so much blood—"

"No one could do anything. Not even Sir Kayden. He tried to stop her and… You did what you had to do to keep her safe. They will understand that you were just trying to help."

Maris nodded, but she still felt uneasy. She had never been so close to the princess before, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. "I just don't know what was happening to her," Maris said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Her eyes… were completely white and her cheeks…"

"I know, Maris. It was a fucking mess." Melvian sighed and rubbed her face. "There is nothing we can do now but wait for instructions."

Melvian was more scared than her, if that was possible. Yet, she tried to stay as calm as she could for her. Maris had no idea what her life would be without her.

Patting her back, Melvian turned and hugged her tightly. "You are not leaving this castle that's for sure."

Maris leaned into Melvian's embrace, welcoming the comfort that washed over her. She knew she wasn't alone in her fear, and that they would do whatever it took to help the princess through whatever was troubling her. But the memory of the princess's rage still lingered. Maris knew that there was a storm brewing in the castle that she may not be able to stop.

A knock on the door made both women jump. Melvian cursed, before untangling herself from the embrace to open the door.

On the other side, the headmistress called for Maris.

Her stomach dropped the second she heard her name. Standing up, Maris pushed Melvian out of the way. Behind the headmistress, Sir Kayden stood, hands behind his back, his usual smile long gone.

Maris swallowed hard and stepped out, gave Melvian one last look and closed the door.

"I want you to go with Sir Kayden," the headmistress, a middle-aged woman with streaks of silver hair and callused hands spoke. Her rueful smile did nothing to appease Maris's nerves.

Maris couldn't find her words, so she nodded at her and stood next to Kayden.

"Let's go. The queen asked for you."

Shit.

Nodding again, Maris followed Kayden down the hall.

It was the tense calmness that made Maris feel utterly uncomfortable. Kayden walked next to her with an air of sheer power and gentleness, yet his steps were fast, urgent. Maris tried to keep up, but her chest tightened as they stood before the princess's chamber.Maris felt an emptiness at the pit of her stomach when Kayden nodded at the guards and then gripped the handle before turning to her.

"I want you to talk only when referred to." Kayden's voice was stern, serious, so different from his usual happy, mischievous, and playful self.

Maris frowned at that, yet she nodded. "Of course."

Kayden walked in and held the door for Maris. As soon as Maris was inside, she could smell blood in the air. She covered her mouth and nose and exhaled as she tried to get the smell out of her system. As she closed her eyes, flashes of what had happened hours ago hit her with full force. The princess screaming, blood and panic in her eyes. The floor was no longer pure white, but crimson red. If it wasn't for her tackling Valda over…

Maris wondered at the cause. Who was to blame for this? Why was she called into the princess's chamber? She still didn't know.

A pang of fear hit her stomach. Was she going to get fired? Was it because she dropped the drinks or because she body-slammed the princess to the ground?

She couldn't make out the conversation between Kayden and the queen. All she heard were the muffled words, pushed back by the view of a wounded woman on a white bed.

The princess was pale. Her lips were parted as if she had been gasping and moaning in pain. Her eyes were protected by a blood-stained wrap that covered her ears and the bridge of her nose. Her face glistened with what appeared to be water or sweat.

Then she noticed the large black cat curled up next to her, with a paw placed over her stomach. The animal's tail moved from side to side, agitated and anxious.

Rionach patted her hands dry with a cloth before looking up at Maris. "You are here. Good."

Maris was brought back to reality. The queen was talking to her, and if she wanted to stay in the castle, she needed to listen and pay attention.

Rionach placed the cloth on top of the night table and pushed the stool away with her body. "I wanted to have a word with you before commanding your new job."

Maris turned to look behind her. Kayden was gone. He probably left without Maris noticing.

"Do you know why you are here, girl?"

Maris blinked. She was pulled out of her trance by the sweet, velvety voice. "No," she answered.

Rionach sighed and placed one hand over Valda's forehead. Maris could tell she had a fever. Maybe she was fighting some infection.

"I need your help." The queen brushed the strands of black hair away from Valda's face as she battled with her own emotions. "I saw you in the throne room. I saw how you managed to subdue her and control her." She turned her eyes to look at her. "How?"

Pure adrenaline and a dash of luck…"My father gave me basic self-defense training. I can hold my ground."

"You are telling me that with some basic training you became stronger than the princess?"

"Not stronger."Maris rubbed her hands together. "I just used the princess's strength and weight to my advantage. I will never be physically stronger than her. I know; I've heard the stories. I simply grabbed what she was throwing and threw it back at her. She was too worried about the pain to know someone was grabbing her." Maris licked her lower lip and dared to ask. "Is…she all right?"

"I…I have no way to answer that question," the queen said, choking on her words. "All I know is that she is weak and hurt, and I need you to take care of her for the time being. You were able to calm her down and control her. Not even Kayden or Leida could do that."

"Sir Kayden took the wrong approach," Maris said.

"I am giving you my daughter to care for, girl. I hope you understand what I am doing."

Maris nodded. "I understand."

"Do you?"Rionach snarled. "I am leaving a Sealian to take care of my daughter." She scoffed, and Maris was sure she didn't intent to say that last sentence out loud.

Maris stared at the queen and raised a skeptical eyebrow. "If you are insinuating that I will somehow betray the trust put on my shoulders, you are mistaken. I would never ever in my wildest dream betray you or the princess. I might not have been born here, but I am also Skylian. I will gladly give my life for the royal family." She nodded at her own words. "My father taught me that."

Rionach stared at her, and Maris couldn't tell if she believed her or not. "He taught you well then. I am pleased with your words." She took a step forward, yet her hand lingered over Valda's heated cheek. "She is not easy."

"I can imagine."

"She will fight with you, a lot," Rionach added.

"I will fight with her as well."

"Are you sure you want to help?"

Maris walked to the other side of the bed and looked down at Valda. Her main goal in entering the castle was to find Arwin, not become the princess's maid. Being glued to Valda would mean she would less likely encounter Arwin around the castle, but at the same time, she couldn't bring herself to abandon the princess, not when she needed a helping hand.

The princess was breathing hard, gripping on the white bed sheets for dear life. Was she in pain? Was she having a nightmare? Maris frowned and leaned over to place her hand on the strong muscular arm. "I am."

Rionach exhaled and walked over to the door. "I don't want you to leave her side even if she throws you out. She can't be alone."

"You may leave in peace, Queen. I will take care of all of this."

Maris was so consumed by the woman in front of her that she didn't hear the door close. Valda was vulnerable and wounded, breathing deeply, clearly in pain. Was she awake? Probably. Maybe she listened to the entire conversation, but right at that moment, she didn't care.

The black cat shifted its attention to her. Wondering if it was friendly, Maris extended her hand towards it. The cat stood and smelled her fingers. Its whiskers and cold nose tapped Maris's fingertips. This was good. The cat's curiosity was more welcomed than any form of aggression. After a second of exploration, the cat pressed the corner of its snout to Maris's hand, rubbing its face against her.

Perfect. The cat liked her.

"Aren't you a big ball of fur?" Maris whispered, cautiously scratching the top of the cat's head, then playing with the adorable tufts of hairs on its pointy ears. "Are you going to bite me if I pet you too much?" The cat pulled away, shook its head, and let out a soft meow, all the while blinking slowly. "Good boy." As she praised the cat, the princess stirred under the covers.

Maris turned her attention to the princess, whose hand clutched the white bedsheets. Her lips parted, panting softly while she mumbled something Maris couldn't quite understand. She should talk to her. She didn't want the princess to think she was alone. The cat jumped off the bed and moved to the living area while Maris moved closer to the princess.

"Your Highness."

Valda gasped, jerking as she had just noticed someone was right next to her.

"Who are you?"

Maris took a step back. "I am not here to hurt you," Maris said quickly. "I am here to help you."

Valda tried to sit up, but her body, especially her arms, were too weak to support her. She couldn't even hold herself up. The powerful warrior princess looked feeble and weak. Nothing compared to the woman she had seen days ago.

The princess sighed with exasperation, submitting to her immobility. Her skin pricked as the cold night air seeped through the open balcony doors.

The bumps went from her arms, up her neck and across the exposed skin of her chest. She knew she should look away, but there was something stopping her from doing so. Even in her state, the princess's presence lured her in.

Maris verbalized her every movement. The least she wanted was to receive a punch to the face as Kayden did at the party."Your highness, I am going to help you sit up, all right?"

Valda growled in response and Maris was taken aback.

"Is that a ‘no'?"

Instead of answering, Valda leaned back, hissing in pain. Maris could tell that this was not easy for her. If the rumors were true, and she was always the ever-strong warrior, depending on someone else must be hard on her.

"Hurry up," Valda said, yielding.

Maris hooked her arms under Valda's and pulled her up until she was leaning against the headboard. The sheets fell to her waist, exposing her chest and stomach. More goosebumps spread across sun kissed skin. She swallowed hard, her attention falling on Valda's face. She was in pain, maybe she shouldn't be doing this. Maybe she should rest until she was able to sit up without any discomfort.

"Are you comfortable—"

"Get out. I want to be alone."

Maris's mouth snapped shut. She wasn't expecting that. Well, maybe she was, but not so early in their interaction. With her hands on her waist, she stared down at the panting princess before shaking her head. "I am sorry, Princess, but you are stuck with me. Your mother gave me clear orders—"

"Get the fuck out of my chamber before I suffocate you."

Maris scoffed. "I am sorry. I think we are not communicating effectively. Your mother, Queen Rionach, told me to stay here, and look after you."

Instead of fighting with her again, Valda leaned her head back on the headboard, her mouth parted as she took mouthfuls of air. She was sweating, and although Maris was sure the whole, half naked, sweating image would've been better appreciated in another context, she still couldn't wash away the feeling that there was something worse going on with the princess.

"I am going to check for a fever," Maris announced. She was indeed going to check for a fever, but at the same time, she wanted to touch Valda again.

Inhaling deeply and catching the faintest scent of the princess's perfume, Maris pressed her hand against Valda's sweaty face. She was burning up.

Shit.

"Why are my eyes covered up?"

Surprised by the question, Maris tilted her head and pressed her knuckle to Valda's cheek, to her delight, the princess leaned slightly against her touch. Didn't the princess remember what happened? How her eyes bled and how a bright light shone out of them? Maris bit her lower lip and thought about how to answer.

"You were hurt. You were bleeding and hitting everyone in sight."She moved closer to Valda, her hands hovering. She didn't have another reason to touch her, and yet she ached to just feel her skin again. To ease her worries and calm her.

Valda moved one hand to touch the wraps over her eyes but lost her balance. If it wasn't for Maris, she would've toppled over.

"Take the bandages off," Valda said softly at first.

"I don't think I—"

"Take the fucking bandages off!" Valda bellowed.

Maris exhaled loud enough for Valda to hear. She wanted the princess to know that her screaming was getting on her nerves. Maybe other maids enjoyed the screaming and foul mood, but she didn't, and she wasn't going to put up with it. "Fine. What do I know about basic first aid?"

"Do as you are told…"

"I won't," she mumbled to herself.

This time Maris was a bit rough. She moved her hands to the side of Valda's head and tugged on the wraps. Was she weak? Injured? Not Maris' fault.

The princess groaned in annoyance and Maris ignored it. Maybe she wanted to hurt Valda just enough to stop her from screaming. Maris pulled on the last wrap and placed it on the nearby night table and waited then for the next command.

Valda groaned and slowly began to open her eyes. To Maris's horror, the princess' eyes were completely white. There was no sign of honey-colored iris or dark pupils. Around the eyes, bruises contrasted dramatically with her skin. It was as if she had been punched repeatedly.

Valda swallowed hard, her jaw slackening. She took deep gasps of air as realization slowly fell on her. One hand touched the bed underneath her, then she moved to her side, feeling the night table.

"Where…" She gasped. "I…" She touched her face again. "What's going on!?"

The cat came back. Its perky ears moved from side to side, its eyes wide. Then, as if sensing something was about to happen, it crawled under the large bed.

That wasn't good…

"Am I blind?"

Maris tensed. Her hands rolled up into fists by her side. How was she supposed to answer that?

Valda slid down the headrest until she was lying on the bed once again. "I am blind." That was more a statement than a question. "I am blind," she repeated as she faced the tall ceiling.

"Your Highness?"

"What time is it?"

Maris frowned. What kind of question was that? What did it matter? "It must be midnight, probably. I am not sure."

"Gods, no…" Valda whimpered, closing her eyes, and grabbing the sheets tightly. "No, no, no!"

"Why do you need to—"

Suddenly, the room was filled with a deafening roar. The wind rushed in, howling, and tearing at everything in its path. The doors to the balcony cracked from their hinges. The curtains were ripped from their moorings, swirling around the princess like a twister.

Maris stumbled back, her eyes wide with fear as the wind picked up the furniture and hurled it across the room. The bed groaned and shuddered, its posts twisting like the limbs of a tortured tree. The walls shook in the onslaught.

It was Valda. All of this was Valda. The princess's rage fueled the wind, making it stronger and more destructive with each passing moment.

Maris ducked behind a nearby wardrobe, the wooden doors rattling in their frames as the wind battered them relentlessly. She could barely hear herself think over the roar, but she could sense the princess's agony and despair.

As the storm raged on, Maris knew she had to do something to help the princess. She cautiously crept out from her hiding place, her heart pounding in her chest. With a deep breath, she stepped forward, her voice strong and resolute.

"Princess!" she called out, her words nearly lost in the wind. "Stop!"

At first, there was no response. The wind continued to rage, the debris flying around the room.

Suddenly, a large water pitcher tumbled off a nearby table, shattering into pieces on the floor. Water spilled out in all directions, soaking everything in its path. Maris quickly realized that this was her chance. She focused all her attention on the water, summoning it to her will with a flick of her wrist.

She closed her eyes, and the wind's roar faded away as she concentrated on the liquid. She could feel it swirling around her, moving in response to her commands. With a sudden motion, she raised her arm and sent a sphere of water hurtling towards the princess's face.

The sphere struck the princess with a satisfying thud, drenching her and knocking the wind off her. The gusts faltered then dissipated completely. The room fell silent, except for the princess's coughing. Water must've gotten in her nose. Good. She deserved it for acting the way she was.

Maris sighed in annoyance and ran her fingers through her hair, which had become loose from her bun. She turned to Valda, her nostrils flaring and her chest rising and falling in agitation. She understood Valda's anger. To have something suddenly taken away with no explanation would infuriate anyone. But the princess needed to think things clearly before destroying everything in her path.

"You need to control yourself,"Maris muttered.She hissed as she gathered the objects that had been thrown to the ground by Valda's temper tantrum.

"Would you?!"

Maris thought it would be better to stay quiet. Instead, she kept tidying the bedroom and kept herself busy.

"I thought so…" Valda said, turning to lie on her side. "Who are you?"

"Your new exclusive chambermaid, I suppose." Maris grabbed another object from the ground and slammed it on the nightstand. Good thing it was just a brush, or she might have shattered it in her anger.

"Your name?"

Closing her eyes and inhaling deeply, Maris decided to go along with the princess's questionnaire. If it meant she would calm down and maybe trust her, what could go wrong?

"My name is Maris, Your Highness."

"Maris."

As she uttered her name, Maris couldn't help but notice the way the princess's voice caressed it, drawing out every syllable with a gentle touch. It was as if Valda had taken Maris's name and transformed it into something more, something magical and alluring. A shiver ran down her spine.

"Maris," she said again, testing the word on her tongue.

The cat jumped on the bed, releasing a soft and quick purr.

Good timing. Maybe she would be able to change the subject. "I hope this is your pet."

"Cerberus?" Valda called out while the cat meowed loudly and pressed its head against Valda's face.

"He's been keeping an eye on you."

"She."

"I beg your pardon?"

"She is a girl," Valda corrected, patting Cerberus's flank.

"Cerberus is a girl?" Maris asked, incredulously.

The princess shrugged nonchalantly. "It was the first thing that came to mind…"

"Right. To name a female cat the name of a three-headed male dog. A complete contradiction."

Valda snorted. "It's original."

Maris placed the last object on the nightstand and stared at the princess's muscled bound back as she lay on her side, petting the cat. "Can't argue with—"

"Are you here to follow my every move?" Valda asked, cutting her useless comment. "Are you going to see if I fall on my face or stub my toe?"

Maris rubbed her temples. "If you don't stay put, yes, probably."

"I haven't heard your name before. Are you a new hire?"

"Yes, ma' am. I've been working in the castle for just a couple of days."

"And my mother appointed you to stay with me?"

"Yes."

Valda scoffed and tried her hardest to sit up to Maris's surprise, she did so without any help. Cerberus crawled to her lap and curled into a ball.

"Are you hungry, Your Highness?" Maris asked, thinking that maybe it would be good for her to get her something to eat, maybe get something for herself. She hadn't been able to eat anything. A good late-night snack, maybe some warm milk would do her good.

"I can't eat smelling like this. I need to wash the scent of blood off me. After that then I can eat." Saying that, Valda pulled the bedsheets away from her body. Cerberus let out an annoyed growl and settled at the foot of the bed, looking from Valda to Maris.

Valda moved her legs to the edge of the bed and inhaled loudly, almost in pain.

"Princess, please. Let me—"

"I need to know if I can do this by myself. I don't want to be handheld."

Maris bit her tongue and shrugged. "Go right ahead."

Valda let out a disgruntled noise. She waved her hand until she grabbed the bedpost and pulled herself up. At first, she managed to stand, but just as she did, she fell back to the bed. "Fuck," she muttered before trying again.

"Oh, please just let me help you for now. Then you can kick me out if you want."

"You sure talk a lot for a chambermaid."

"I will be quiet after we make it to the washroom, I promise." Without giving the princess a second to reject her offer, Maris placed a muscled arm over her shoulders and held on to the princess's waist. In this position, she was finally able to take in Valda's height. The woman was almost a foot taller than she was.

"Take me to the washroom. There's always a tub filled with warm hot water there," Valda said, her grip on Maris's shoulder tightening as she took a tentative step.

The princess struggled with her footing as she took her first steps forward. Her legs trembled, weak and unsure. Her other hand moved to her side, fingers spread, careful not to bump into anything, but Maris made sure she made it to the garderobe. Inside was a pearly white claw tub. Struggling with the princess's formidable weight, she eased her slowly into the tub, helping move one leg in and then the other.

As Valda sank in the water, the sound that escaped her mouth was extremely delightful. Valda threw her head back and moaned happily when the warm waters covered her sore body.

Maris stared quietly in wonder. Valda's hand dipped to the band of her underwear. Hooking her thumb under the band, she pulled it slowly down her long legs then let it fall beside the tub with a wet ‘flop.'

Then, she tugged on the wraps harshly until her breasts were free. The princess sighed and heat spread through Maris's face as she couldn't look away.

All those stories were true. The princess was gorgeous in her own way. The rippling muscles under the sun-kissed skin, the freckles, the subtle tanned lines on her legs and arms, the scars…

Maris stopped her exploration as she looked upon the many scars embellishing the princess's body. Maris was sure that each one had a story, and, for some reason, she couldn't wait to find out what they were.

Wondering if the princess knew she was still there, Maris cleared her throat and waited for a reaction. Valda groaned, opened her eyes and waved her hand around.

"Bring me a cloth and soap."

Maris froze. Did the princess want Maris to bathe her? She cursed under her breath, her eyes roaming the garderobe.

"I don't know where your stuff is, Your Highness."

Valda sighed, annoyed. She raised her hand and pointed to the far-left corner of the room. "Third drawer to your right are the cloths, and the last drawer in the middle you will find the soap."

"All right…" She moved to the bathroom furniture and did as she was directed. There were, however, a lot of different soaps. Maris glanced at Valda then back to the drawer. She grabbed a green bar and placed it under her nose. Mint. She put it back and then grabbed another one. Vanilla. She sighed in contentment. She reached for another bar, this time a pink one with red dots. Strawberries.

"Mint."

Maris jumped, and the soap slipped from her hand and landed loudly in the drawer.

"What are you doing? Just hurry up already," Valda muttered, her arms now on the edge of the tub, waiting.

"Y-yes, ma'am." Maris scrambled with the soap and the cloth towards Valda. The princess's hand was already extended, waiting for her. After handing the soap and cloth to Valda, Maris left the room by the princess's command.

It was for her own good. She shouldn't invade the princess's privacy. She needed her time to wash up, and maybe get used to the fact that she couldn't see.

Maris rubbed the goosebumps from her arms and let out a frustrated groan as she looked at the ceiling. She wanted to concentrate on something other than the image of the princess bathing herself.

"I need to get a hold of myself. I need—" She exhaled and squeezed the tension forming at the base of her neck. She was there to help, and she was going to do just that, right?

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She frowned. It was rather late. The only people in the castle were guards, and most of the maids were cleaning the mess in the throne room. It couldn't be the queen; she wouldn't knock on the door.

Maris unlocked the latch and peeked outside. "Melvian!" She opened the door completely and pulled her friend for a tight hug.

"Gods! Maris! What in Tartarus!" Melvian hugged her right back, squeezing her for a moment before pulling back. "I thought you got kicked out!"

"I thought the same, but I think they liked that I rough-handled her."

Melvian shrugged confused. "Why"

"I am kind of like her personal maid now."

Melvian's eyes grew wide in terror. "Oh, no."

"Oh, yes. I don't think she will be much trouble though."

Melvian frowned. "Is she dead?"

Maris blinked. "How can I be the personal maid of a corpse, Melvian?"

Melvian muttered something and shrugged again.

"She is blind."

Melvian's expression changed from surprised to sad in a matter of seconds. "Blind?"

Maris nodded. "She is taking a bath right now and as you can see; she wasn't happy about being blind. She almost destroyed the entire room."

"Well, that fucking sucks."

"Melvian!"

"No!" Melvian raised her hands. "Listen, she won't be able to fight alongside her army. I've never heard of a blind soldier surviving a war, not even joining one."

Maris swallowed hard. She hadn't thought about that. What would become of the princess now that she was blind? Would they even respect her or see her as their superior? Maris frowned, tracing back to General Arwin. She hadn't been able to see him at all after this. Was he even in the castle?

"Have you seen the general?"

Melvian shook her head. "After what happened in the throne room he disappeared."

Maris bit her lower lip and turned back to the mess in the room. "What do you think he will say when he knows about this?"

"Why do you care?"

"I… don't?"

"You are weird," Melvian said, before scoffing.

"Everything will be fine because an Asclepius worshiper will come and heal Valda, right?"

Melvian was apprehensive to answer. She shrugged her shoulders and nodded reluctantly. "True, but there is no healer in the castle. He is gone."

Rubbing the anxiousness from her hands, Maris walked to the living space and sat on the grand sofa. No Asclepius worshiper meant no cure for whatever the princess had, and that was petrifying. "Do you think she will be all right?"

Melvian shrugged. "She will have to be."

"Yes, but… I've seen how people get when things get taken away from them. It's not pretty."

Pursing her lips, Melvian walked towards Maris. "Don't do that to yourself."

"How can I not, Melvian?"

"Don't." Melvian grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the door. "I never told you why I came here. I brought the princess some food in case she woke up." Melvian pulled in a cart filled with fruits, nuts and different kinds of tea. "These are all the princess's favorites. I don't think she will eat it all so I guess you can eat from this too."

"Thanks. I was actually starving. I haven't been able to eat anything."

"Maris!"

"That's her!" Maris grabbed Melvian's shoulder and turned her around on her feet. "You need to leave."

"Hey! What—Wait a…" Melvian's words died in her mouth. She gazed at the end of the royal room, eyes open in surprise.

Maris followed her gaze and found Valda's tall form leaning on the bathroom entrance with nothing covering her up.

"Maris, are you there?"

"I am here," Maris answered.

Now that Valda was standing on her own, Maris could see all the other scars embellishing her body. They were not too many to make her look gruesome, but enough to make her rather interesting to the eye. One of those scars was on her muscular thigh. Still, it didn't make her leg look any less desirable. Her thighs were toned and strong. Clearly, she ran a lot in battle, not to flee, but from charging into her enemies and jumping over them.

Another scar was displayed on her stomach. The toned abdominals had a diagonal line that went to her back. Maybe she was injured in a sword fight years ago.That one might have made her stay in bed for weeks or perhaps just a couple of days.

"I am drenched," Valda said.

Maris shoved her elbow against Melvian's ribs and whispered, "Me too."

"Maris!"Melvian hissed.

Valda arched her brow and shook her arm. "I need a towel."

Maris turned around and stared at Melvian with eyes wide open. She mentally implored her to leave, and thank the gods Melvian understood. Patting Maris's arm, Melvian closed the door on her way out.

"Did you leave?" Valda asked, almost in shock.

"No, Your Highness! I am here. A maid had just brought some food for you," Maris answered and bolted to the princess's side. She didn't wonder how Valda got out of the tub with no help. Of course, the princess would regain her strength little by little, yet she had to admit she was still a tad surprised.

"Bottom shelf, left,"Valda said, signaling where the towels were as if she had read Maris's mind.

Quickly, Maris picked a white towel for the princess and placed it over her shoulders as she guided her to sit on the bed. She quietly watched as the princess patted her face dry, being extra careful around her eyes. Nevertheless, the princess hissed in pain as she touched her brows.

"What do you want to wear?" Maris asked, wanting to keep the princess's mind on something other than the fact that she was naked and in pain.

"I would say casual, but it's the middle of the fucking night." Valda groaned again, running her fingers through her wet hair. "Something comfortable so I can sleep some more after eating."

Maris nodded, feeling sorry that this was the way the princess's birthday had come to an end.

As she stepped into the walk-in closet, she entered a world of elegance and sophistication. The room was filled with an array of colors, patterns, and textures that immediately captured her attention as she took in the sight before her.

Everywhere she looked, she saw a collection of masculine clothing. The clothes were made from silk, cotton, and other fabrics. She ran her fingers over the clothes, marveling at how soft and smooth they were against her skin.

"Maris?"Valda called her from outside the closet. Shaking herself from her daydream, Maris picked up a soft silk button shirt with a pair of black linen pants. As she walked out, Valda was somehow folding the towel and placing it in the nightstand for Maris to pick up later.

"I see you are slowly getting your strength back. You can already take a couple of steps by yourself."

Valda chuckled. "Clearly you don't know me. I bounce right back after every fight."

"This wasn't a fight, though," Maris said, placing the clothing on the bed.

Valda's upper lip twitched, her jaw muscles straining before saying. "All I need is a blessed Asclepius worshiper. I will be fine. I can manage."

Maris smiled at Valda and nodded at her words. "And I will be here until you are healed. This is only temporary,"Maris announced, crossing her arms, and watching a sneaky grin forming at the corner of the princess's lips.

"You want to get rid of me already, Maris?" The playfulness in her tone was there, even after the pain and fatigue, Valda still managed to display a playful nature Maris didn't know existed.

Arching her brow, Maris chuckled. "It is not like that, princess. It was your mother's order, and by the looks of it, you are the one that is in a hurry. You don't need my help moving around your chamber."

"I do, Maris. I can still stub my toe against a table's leg… or smash my knee against a kid's head. Danger lurks every corner."

"That would be a tragedy, poor kid."

"Whoa, now. I need my knees. Skylian children are hardheaded."

"I would never doubt that." Maris leered.

"Are you already flirting with me, Maris? Taking advantage of someone in my situation is rather horrendous and punishable by the Skylian law."

Maris laughed and quickly covered her mouth. "Forgive me, princess. Skylian law is no laughing matter."

"It is not. I take my job very seriously." Valda chuckled and the tension in her shoulders slowly receded. "Anyhow, you are forgiven. No law will be put to use today."

"Thank you for being so merciful, Your Highness." Maris smiled, watching Valda face her. If it wasn't for the bruises around her eyes and the fact that she didn't have any iris, Maris would've thought she was looking directly at her. Slowly, Maris made her way to the still naked princess, touched her wrist, and guided her to the side of the bed where her clothes were. She handed one piece of clothing at a time, making sure that when Valda put it on, it didn't look untidy.

The quietness of the room was rather calming.

Until Valda spoke….

"You may use my towel, Maris."

Maris frowned, as she fixed the collar of Valda's shirt. "What for, Your Highness?"

Valda chuckled. "Weren't you wet?"