"Weaning foals is always so sad." Ophelia loves seeing the babies interact with their mamas. While the mares are usually relieved to be free of their little ones, the foals are always so upset for a few days. It breaks her heart to see even though she knows that it's necessary. That's one of the reasons why she never bred her mare back at her home kingdom.
She walks alongside Elora as they make their way back to the palace. The ride was fun but she;s looking forward to being able to gossip properly. They'll be able to do so once they're in the safety of the bedroom. As long as they watch their volume, the guards will have no idea what they're saying.
As Elora kicked off her boots and jumped onto the bed, Ophelia couldn't help but chuckle softly. She pulls off her own boots and sets them off to the side, not wanting to get dirt on the comforter. She perches on the edge of the bed, taking a look around the room. She thinks this is the first time she's ever been in here.
(The timeline for this is tricky)
Elora nodded her head. "Luna lost her last baby. Only lived for a few days before she died. Where not sure why. Likely a birth defect. So she's particularly close to this one. She doesn't want to lose him." Luna had been depressed for months. It had taken a miracle to get her out if it. And a foal who had lost his mother recently.
Luna was doing much better now so everything was okay. It had been a couple of years ago anyways. She has recovered from it. Mostly. Though she still had attachment issues. Which made it difficult. They were trying to go slow in their weaning. They didn't want to stress Luna out too much.
She laud back in her bed, stretching her arms. She reaches and grabbed one of her decorative pillows and held it to her chest. "Aedion cane into our employment about six months ago. He had just finished his training. There's more to being a palace guard than just soldier training. He had been in the army since he was sixteen. He decided a year ago to finally follow his father's footsteps and join the royal guard. It was six months of training in this secluded post in the mountains. And then he came here. Kaillas assigned him as my guard four years ago agates he proved himself in a duel with him. Aedion didn't win of course, be he fought valiantly and he didn't give up. He got up every time."
Ophelia listens attentively to Elora's story about Luna and her attachment to the foal, nodding sympathetically. "It's heartwarming to see the bond between Luna and the foal. But poor girl, losing her foal must have been devastating for her. I'm glad she's doing better now. She seems like a good mother.”
As Elora relaxes on her bed, Ophelia leans against the bed frame, taking in the details of the room while still giving her full attention to the conversation. When Elora starts talking about Aedion, her expression softens, and she smiles warmly. It’s sweet how excited the girl gets when she talks about her ‘friend’.
"It sounds like Aedion is a brave and dedicated man. Joining the royal guard is no small feat, and earning Kaillas' respect in a duel is no easy task either," She remarks, clearly impressed by Aedion's determination. “I've seen the way he watches over you with such affection. How did you two become so close?” She has to admit that she’s curious.
Elora turned her head to look at the queen resting agsidnt against her head board. She was laying perpendicular, laying about halfway up the bed. Her feet were hanging off the side of the bed and she was swinging them back and forth.
She smiled, her cheeks warming as she heard Opehlia speak of her guard. Her knight really. A knight in shining armor. He was strong and dedicated. He had fought harder than most she had ever met. Perhaps even harder than Kaillas himself.
She smiled at the memory. "Aedion had the night of. Braxton was on night watch. He's a bit lazy, for a place guard that was. And as long as I slipped him sweets, he always looked the other way when he heard noises coming from my bedroom. When I woukd sneak out by the window." Said windows and room was several stories high. Let's just say she had a good rope and a strong upper body. "I went into the city to enjoy the night life. In the low lighting and right clothes and cosmetics, no one even knew how I am. Imagine Aedion's surprise when I ran into him at a tavern."
She chuckled. "He pulled me into a back alley and was lecturing me on all the different ways that it was dangerous for me to be out there and that I couldn't do that and whatnot. And I just couldn't stop staring at his mouth. And I was tired if listening to him speak. So I just grabbed him and kissed him."
Ophelia listens to Elora's story with a mixture of amusement and surprise. She can't help but chuckle at the image of the princess sneaking out of the palace and enjoying the city's nightlife. "Oh, I can only imagine Aedion's face when he found you at that tavern," she says, a playful glint in her eyes.
She stretches out and settles herself on the bed. She doesn’t want to take up too much room but she’d like to be comfortable. Luckily, she’s further up the bed than Elora is so they aren’t getting in each other’s way right now.
As Elora describes the unexpected turn of events with Aedion in the back alley, her eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "You kissed him just like that?" she asks, her smile widening. "Well, that's certainly a bold move. And I take it he didn't see that coming?" She teases, genuinely intrigued by the blossoming romance between her sister and the loyal guard.
"It must have been quite the moment. The dutiful guard being caught off guard by the princess' daring act," She remarks, her playful tone showing that she finds the situation rather amusing. "And how did he react? I assume he didn't resist too much if you're still together now?" She leans in with curiosity, eager to hear more of the story.
Elora's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Just wait until you hear how he reacted when he learned how I got out of the palace. I thought his heart might stop dead in his chest. I thought it had for a moment." It had been funny then and it was funny now.
"I kissed him just like that." Her eyes closed at the memory. The feeling of a stubble on his cheeks as he had shaved in a couple days. His lips had been cracked and his breath smelled of cheap ale. And yet she had kissed him all the same. And hadn't regretted it a day since.
"He certianly did not." She thought she had froze him. "When he didn't respond to it, I had pulled back. I thought I had done something wrong. I thought that I had mistaken the signals he had given me. He was just saying at me, eyes wide and lips parted. I said his name and it was like I had unleashed a beast." Her cheeks heated at the memory and she smiled wide. "He grabbed my cheeks and kissed me hard. He pushed me up against the wall of the alley. Hours could have passed and I wouldn't have noticed.
"When we finally stopped, he barely had enough breath to tell me he was escorting me back to the palace. He put his cloak around me and led me back. It wasn't until we reached the palace that he inquired how I had gotten out. He looked like he wanted to throttle me. And then confiscated my rope when he took me to my room, startling Braxton. And then he said if I ever wanted to go into the city again at night, I need only send for him and he would take me. Then he kissed me again before leaving and storming out."
Ophelia listens to Elora's animated retelling of the moment she and Aedion shared in the alley, and her eyes sparkle with delight at the romantic and somewhat humorous scene. "Oh, I can just picture the whole thing," she says, unable to hide her amusement. "It sounds like something straight out of a romantic novel, doesn't it?"
“It seems like it was quite the eventful night," She comments, a playful glint in her eyes. "A true whirlwind of emotions and unexpected kisses. Aedion seems like he was taken by complete surprise, and yet, he couldn't resist his feelings for you. Though, I can’t say I blame him for wanting to throttle you. Climbing out of your window to go into the city…..insane!” She laughs a bit at this.
Her smile softens as she observes Elora's expression, clearly smitten with the memory. "It's amazing how one impulsive act can change everything, isn't it? Your spontaneity brought you together, and it seems like you're much happier for it."
She couldn’t be happier for Elora. The way she talks about her guard and the way the two look at each other…..it’s obvious that they’re passionate about each other. “The sneaking around must be pretty exciting, I imagine. The thrill of getting away with doing something that you probably shouldn’t be doing and the risk of getting caught…” She imagines that having to be secretive helps them keep that spark burning bright. All of those little stolen kisses and longing looks is all like something straight from a book.
Elora just hummed dreamily. "It does, doesn't. Except it's even better than reading about it." Her own little fairytale moment. She coukdnt wish for anything more. Well, she coukd, but she wouldn't take this time with him for granted. Who knew how long she would get it?
"Well, if it soothes your soul, I don't sneak out through the window anymore." She and Aedion coordinated his night duty to plan to go out into the city occasionally. She didn't do it as often now, not when she had Aedion here. But she still enjoyed the nightlife.
She turned her head to look at Ophelia, a soft smile on her lips. She was happy talking about him. And she liked him more than she would ever admit. Because they weren't together exactly. They had no expectations for one another. And her status of princess limited them almost completely in what they could be together.
She nodded her head, even as her smile dimmed some. "It is. It gets my heart racing and I've never been happier. You should try it with Kaillas. Not that you have to hide your relationship but the sneaking around part. It gets you going."
Ophelia chuckles softly, appreciating Elora's dreamy demeanor as she recounts her romantic escapades with Aedion. "I'm glad to see you so happy. Romance stories like yours have a way of enchanting even the most skeptical hearts," she says, her eyes warm with genuine happiness for her friend.
At the mention of not sneaking out through the window anymore, Ophelia raises an eyebrow playfully. "That does soothe my soul, actually. It would be incredibly painful if you ever fell. Though, it is too bad that you’re too domesticated to do something so crazy now.” The last part is said teasingly but in all seriousness, she’s glad that Elora isn’t doing something so risky anymore.
As Elora suggests that she should try the sneaking around part with Kaillas, Ophelia blushes slightly but smiles. "Maybe I’ll mention it to him.” She’s honestly not sure what he would think. They haven’t had very many discussions about what all they want to try.
She has a few ideas as to what his interests are but she couldn’t really say for certain. She’ll have to ask him when he gets back from his gardening adventure with Katya.
Elora started messing with a lose thread on the pillow she was hugging. "It does sound nice doesn't it?" She sighed softly. "The problem is, I dint even know what we are. We haven't made any promises to one another. We hold no expectations for each other. And yet he is the only man I want. I don't see anyone else other than him. But I don't know of he does the same."
She sat up and moved on the bed so she was sitting beside Elora. "I mean sure, we kiss and touch and do…other things." She trailed off at that last bit. "But we also talk. Alot. I tell him almost everything. And he does the same. He's a great listener. And kisser." She looked down at her lap, at that thread she had been picking at. "I worry that my title prevents him from wanting anything more. I'm a princess, he's a guard. Realistically, nothing could ever happen. And yet all the boys Kaillas has brought over, whether he liked it or not, haven't compared to him."
She was getting in over her head now. Nothing would ever amount to more than what they are now. She would be setting herself up for heartbreak if she didn't get a hold of her emotions. "Domesticated is stretching it there." She laughed softly.
She smirked at Ophelia. "As much as I don't want to talk about my brother, don't think we can't have girl talk about those things." She had seen her brother's dick enough to know what it looked like. Unfortunately, all times because she had walked into something rather unfortunate for herself.
Ophelia listens attentively to Elora's thoughts, her heart going out to her friend. She reaches out to gently place a hand on Elora's shoulder, offering comfort and support. "It's natural to have doubts and worries, especially when it comes to matters of the heart," she says reassuringly. "But from what you've told me, it's evident that there's a strong connection between you two. The way you describe your moments together, the trust and openness you share, those are precious things."
She offers a soft smile. "Love doesn't always conform to expectations or titles. Sometimes, it finds its way into our lives unexpectedly, and it doesn't care about the barriers we've built. You never know what the future holds, Elora. It's possible that the bond you share with Aedion will grow into something even more beautiful."
“You’re more than just your title. I think with enough convincing of certain people, you two would be able to be together if that’s what you both truly want.” It certainly wouldn’t be easy to get people to accept it but she doesn’t believe that it would be possible.
“I won’t subject you to the torture of talking about your brother,” She assures her with a laugh. She much as she does want to discuss it with someone, she won’t traumatize her husband’s sister. That seems like it would be unnecessarily cruel and awkward.
Elora turned her head to look at her when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She offered a soft smile and prayed she was right. "Maybe. I don't know, I don't want to get my hopes up." Her heart had suffered enough heartbreak, she didn't want to go through one more. Even if it was inevitable.
She huffed, crossing her arms. She knew exactly who Ophelia was talking about. And she was not ready for that conversation yet. Kaillas still thought she was a sweet innocent little girl who hadn't done more than kiss a scribe or two. He refused to see her as anything else.
And while Kaillas held every respect for Aedion, she wasn't so sure how long that would hold up if he found out he had been fondling his little sister. Kaillas was a good and noble man. But there was only so much she could push. While he had promised her she could chose who she wished to marry, he wanted her to pick a man of good standing and status. Someone who could take care of her. But she didn't want to be taken care of.
"I'll talk to him when the time is right." Which meant never. She laughed softly. "Alright alright. But if his dick game is ever weak, I want to be the first to know so I can hold it over him."
“I understand, Elora. It's natural to be cautious, especially after everything you've been through. But sometimes, taking a chance on happiness is worth it. You deserve to find love and someone who sees you for the amazing woman you are."
As Elora huffs and crosses her arms, Ophelia chuckles softly, sensing her reluctance to discuss the person in question. "I won't push you to talk about it if you're not ready. Just know that I'm here for you whenever you want to share."
Ophelia listens intently to Elora's thoughts about Kaillas and the potential challenges they might face. "Aedion does seem like a good man, and I believe he cares deeply for you. Perhaps, with time, Kaillas come to see you as the capable, independent woma.” When Elora mentions talking to him at the right time, she nods in agreement. "That sounds like a plan. When you feel ready, the words will come naturally."
The comment about Kaillas’ game being weak actually has her snorting with amusement. “I can confidently assure you that we’ll never have to have that conversation.” She has absolutely zero complaints in that department.
Elora nudged her with her shoulder, smiling. "Well thank you. I'll come to you if I need it." And she woukd likely take her up on that. Ophelia was easy to talk to. She wasn't used to such things. She always had ti watch what she said around the others. But she could be free with her.
She wasn't sure Kaillas would ever see her as anything other than that little, sniveling girl with red eyes when he had come back to the palace almost seven years ago. He felt responsible for them and that he had to coddle and handle them. He didn't see her as the woman she had grown to be.
She laughed and made a face. "Okay, you're right, I don't want to know those things." She didn't not need to know how well Kaillas did in bed. Seeing how much Ophelia responded to him told her everything she needed to know.
Ophelia smiles when Elora nudges her shoulder. She’s glad that they’re having such a good time together. It’s wonderful to be able to have someone to talk to. With how crazy things are going to continue to get, it’s important to have people in their lives to relay on and talk to.
Though she wishes that she could promise Elora that Kaillas will eventually see her as a proper woman, she knows that she can’t. The man is stubborn and has an image in his head of Elora being the young helpless innocent girl she was when their family was killed. She can’t blame him for wanting to keep that image of her. It must be hard to see how much she’s grown up.
She laughs and shakes her head. “I told you!” She exclaims, amused. Never was she actually going to give any details but she doesn’t mind giving a little teasing about the matter.
Elora laughed, feigning a disgusted look on her face. Girl talk would have to be about something else. If only so she didn't have to hear about her brother. Gross. She'd seen and heard enough from the court. She didn't need to add Ophelia to that as well.
Just as she was about to speak again, there was a knock on the door and a voice calling out through it. "Dinner will be ready shortly, Your Majesty, Highness." A polite indication that they should get bathe and change for dinner. THey had been out all afternoon in the heat and on top of a horse. Now that she thought about, Elora did smell a little like Luna.
She sighed, looking at Ophelia."I think that's our cue. I'll see you at dinner?" Where she most certainly wouldn't be late after inviting a certain someone into her room after Ophelia left.
Ophelia can only imagine how traumatic it would be if they had proper girl talk. No one wants to hear about their brother like that. Still, though, there’s a dozen other topics of conversation for them to go through and she’s always happy to hear about Elora’s adventures with Aedion. The two have certainly started their relationship off with a bang.
Hearing the knock on the door, she turns her head a little and waits for the message that’s sure to follow. Dinner already? The day went by fast. She’ll have to bathe and get dressed in something proper before dinner. Between her time in the gardens with Katya and the ride with Elora, she knows that she probably doesn’t smell too pleasant.
She turns back to Elora and gives a nod. “I’ll see you at dinner,” She confirms with a light smile before standing up. With a quiet hum, she makes her way out the door, heading for her room so she can get ready to join everyone in the dinning hall.
Elora waited until the door shut before she got up to run herself a bath. She added a bit of oil to the water to soothe and smooth. She had maids to do such things but she didn't see the need to call them for such a small thing. She peeled out of her riding clothes and pinned her braid up. She didn't have time to wash and dry her hair so her body would have to do.
She didn't take very long to scrub and clean and exfoliate her body. After she dried, she applied lotion to her skin and then started to look through her gowns. She chose a particular one she would not be able to do herself. With a grin, she doned on the gown and went to the door. Where she woukd ask a certain guard to help with the laces of her corset.
As she opened the door with a grin, he gave her a knowing look. "Your Highness?" He asked. His eyes did not miss the low neckline of her gown and he was certainly trying to peak down it. As if that wasn't obvious.
"Will you help me with the laces?" She stepped back into her room, so that even though the door was opened, they had a bit of privacy. She gave him her back and pulled up her hair, which was now in soft waves thanks to her braid, and in a half up updo. She felt his hands start at the base of her neck, shivering at the contact of his calloused hand. Her eyes closed as he ran his fingers down her skin until he reached the layers of her gown and corset. Then with sturdy fingers, he pulled the strings tight and tied them with efficiency a man should not have. Well, she had given him plenty practice.
"Thank you," she murmured as she released her hair and turned back to face him. Leaning up on her top toes, she gripped his cheeks and kissed him gently, once, twice. Then she pulled away. "Dinner first." She was starving. Her stomach rumbled as if on que. He chuckled quietly and nodded, moving so she could leave the room first.
Ophelia steps into the opulent bathroom, the scent of rose petals filling the air as she begins to run the bathwater. The sound of cascading water is soothing, and she feels the tension of the day slowly melting away. She carefully pours some fragrant lavender oil into the tub, creating a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere.
Lowering herself into the warm embrace of the water, she lets out a contented sigh. The gentle ripples caress her skin, and she closes her eyes, allowing herself to be enveloped by the tranquility of the moment. She doesn’t have much time to before dinner so she can’t properly relax but this is still nice.
After indulging in the soothing bath, Ophelia rises from the water, her skin dewy and refreshed. She wraps herself in a soft, fluffy towel and heads to the vanity. The room is adorned with intricate gold-framed mirrors and crystal perfume bottles, adding a touch of elegance to the ambiance.
Her long, blonde hair is still slightly damp as she sits down at the vanity. She brushes it gently, untangling any knots with care. Once it’s all brushed all, she pulls it back in a half up and half down hairstyle.
Next, she selects a delicate light blue gown from her wardrobe, the fabric adorned with intricate lace and delicate embroidery. As she slips into the gown, it drapes elegantly over her form, hugging her figure in all the right places. It’s perfectly appropriate for dinner but it’s fitted enough to tease her husband.
Once she’s ready, she gets up and heads out of the room to join everyone in the dinning hall.
Kaillas and Katya were already in the dining room, still wearing their dirtier clothes from their gardening and their gloves sitting on the table beside them. The staff looked at them almost horrified for placing it on the white table cloth. But that was there fault for using white. Seriously, who used white for a table cloth.
The pair were grinning at each other and giggling to one another as they shared jokes. They were making fun of the courtiers that were looking at them and mocking the words they might be saying.
As Ophelia entered the dining room, Kaillas eye's immediately went to her. And darkened as they looked at her gown. He inhaled sharply and that was when Katya very pointedly found something else to be interested in. He stood from his seat, moving to pull out the seat for his wife. As sje neared, he caught her wrist and murmured in her ear, "You look ravishing darling."
It was tempting to grab her hand and drag her away from this dinner. But he needed to address the court and dinner was the best way to do this. He took the seat next to her, his eyes moving to her. "How was your afternoon, darling?"
Ophelia feels Kaillas' intense gaze upon her as she enters the dining room, and she can sense the subtle change in his demeanor. Her heart skips a beat, pleased that she got such a fun reaction from him. The dress certainly isn’t the most scandalous one she owns but she thought it would work and she’s glad to know that she’s right.
When Kaillas stands and reaches for her wrist, her breath hitches, and she turns to face him. His whispered compliment sends a shiver down her spine, and a warm blush rises to her cheeks. "Thank you," she replies softly, leaning into his touch. She lightly settles her hand on his chest, wishing that they could get out of this dinner.
Seating herself beside him, she glances at him, meeting his gaze with a hum. “My afternoon was fun. Elora and I went on a ride and talked.” She really enjoyed herself. She won’t breathe a word of what they discussed with Kaillas.
“How did it go with Katya?” The two looked happy and were joking around when she came in so she thinks it’s safe to assume that it went well, something she’s thrilled about. The last few weeks have been rough so it’s important for them to talk and relax a little.
Kaillas wasn't sure if he wanted to know what they spoke about or wished to remain ignorant. He had a feeling he was likely the topic of several conversations. It was probably better he didn't know. As much as he loved his sister he did not want to know the things she got up to.
He grinned as he caught her slight blush. "I'm glad you enjoyed your time together. I hope you two didn't talk too bad about me." He gave her a wink. He held her hand under the table. He wasn't so keen on public displays but he still wanted to hold her.
"It went well." He glanced at Katya who was now engaging with Elora. "She's okay now. Better at least. I hope that I eased some of her worries and she won't gave bad dreams tonight. Hopefully." He squeezed her hand.
Ophelia smiles warmly at Kaillas' playful remark, feeling a sense of relief that he seems to be in good spirits despite whatever might be lingering in the background. She appreciates his understanding and that he knows it's best not to delve into certain conversations that might cause unnecessary tension.
"I promise we only speak highly of you," she teases back, returning the wink playfully. Feeling his hand clasping hers beneath the table brings a comforting sense of closeness, even amidst the formal setting of the dinner.
As Kaillas updates her about his conversation with Katya, her concern for her sister-in-law softens her features. She squeezes his hand reassuringly, appreciating his efforts to comfort and support Katya during her difficult times. "I'm glad to hear that she's doing better," she replies softly.
(I swear I'm trying to be active but working so much has burned me out. I'm quiting two of my jobs in a couple weeks so I'll be on more soon.)
Kaillas squeezed her hand, scrunched his nose. He didn't quite believe that but he wouldn't push it further. "Me two. I'm glad they're both feeling a little better. Though none of us will be content until this I all over." Over, which would likely send him to war. He wasn't very good at letting other people fight his battles.
As everyone had just about filed into the dinning room, he cleared his throat and stood. He gave a short and somewhat painful speech about what he had found and what might await for them. "And with that, dinner is served."
He sat back down, his previous smile having faded from his face. He looked at his wife, her beauty giving him some clarity, and filled his head with a distraction of her beautiful face.
(Don’t worry about it, I totally get it! Working more than one job can definitely get insane!)
Ophelia keeps her frown contained. She worries about what is going to happen. A war very well may end up being necessary so it’s something she has to prepare for she just can’t quite accept that Kaillas is going to want to be fighting on the front lines and risking his life. That isn’t a conversation for today, though. They will eventually discuss his role in the upcoming war but not now.
The speech sounds good despite Kaillas’ reluctance over it. She stays quiet as she listens, her eyes sweeping the room to see what everyone thinks. The overall response seems to worry about the future but it’s clear that everyone has faith in their king.
She laces her fingers eith his, giving his hand a light squeeze. Knowing that he isn’t one for public displays of affection, she keeps their hands safely under the table so no one can see.
Kaillas gave his wife a grateful look as he felt her hand touch his under the table. He didn't know what he would do without her. Probably be lost. He had been so lost until she came into his life and shined a light to show him the way.
Dinner was served and the usual chatter amongst the court was quieter today given the grave news he had received. Elora and Katya mostly talked to themselves or were quiet. They seemed as anxious as he was for this to all be over. He wanted to retire to his room and continue what had been left off in the garden. He had promised to worship his wife and worship her he would.
He ate quickly and less than his usual amount. He found he was lacking an appetite which was so unlike him. Most things didn't bother him, or in this case, his stomach. But he was put out by everything that was happening.
Ophelia is quiet as she eats her food. There isn’t much conversation going on in the room. Hearing about the upcoming war has silenced even the most chatty members of the court. Everyone is reflecting on what they just learned And what the next steps are. She’s had time to process this information so while it still weighs heavy on her mind, she isn’t trying to grapple with fresh feelings about it.
Glancing to Katya and Elora, she notices that they seem eager for dinner to end. While there’s no doubt in her mind that Elora is wanting to return to the arms of her guard, she’s not quite sure why Katya wants to escape this situation. She hopes that everything is okay.
Dinner comes to a conclusion much faster than usual. It seems as though no one wants to stick around for long. That’s perfectly alright with her. She’s been waiting to spend time with Kaillas all day. They had to end things so abruptly in the garden and she wants to revisit that.
Once all the courses had been served and he had waited an appropriate time before standing up and offering his hand to Ophelia. He wanted to spend some time with his wife. He hadn't gotten nearly enough time yesterday and wanted to spend time with her. He wanted to touch her and hold her and talk to her about these past three weeks.
He was silent as he led her back to their rooms. Quiet even as they entered the bedroom and he walked to the bathroom. He needed to bathe. He has the forest and garden all over him and wanted to clean it off before he touched his wife.
Finally, he said, "I'll only be a few minutes. I'll bathe first." He was filthy. He hadn't bothered to clean up for dinner. Hadn't really cared when he'd had such a good day with his family. But now he wanted to be washed for his wife.
Ophelia eats the food as it’s given to her but a portion of everything remains on the plate. She doesn’t have the appetite to eat it all today. When it’s time to go, she accepts his hand, standing up as well. She’s ready to get away from the dinning hall and spend some one on one time with him. Nearly everyone else has cleared out already so at least they’re not being rude and leaving too early.
Respecting his silence, she follows after him without saying a word. She’s not sure what’s on his mind and it’s a little concerning. Hopefully everything is okay because she’s not quite sure what to make of this silence.
She glances over to him when he finally spoke. “Alright,” She agrees lightly. It’s not a secret that he hasn’t bathed since his time in the garden with Katya so she’s not against him taking a few minutes to get cleaned up before joining her.
(Dude. I found a kitten on the side of the road yesterday. Now I have a freaking kitten in my basement, just chilling and getting used to me lol)
(Aww that cat distribution system. You have been chosen.)
Kaillas left the door ajar open. He would never shut her out, even on his darkest days and his worst moods, he would never lock her out. He stripped out if his clothes and stepped into the hot water. He took a few minutes to scrub his skin and under his fingernails. He wanted to make sure he was clean for Ophelia.
He dried off quickly, his hair damp from washing it. Naked as the day he was born, he walked to the closet and pulled on a pair of soft, cotton pants for bed. He kept his chest bare, not in the mood for a shirt. Then he walked over to his wife.
He took her hand and brought it up to his lips, kissing her knuckles. "You are beautiful, my darling. You amaze me everyday."
