Nothing Lasts Forever

Arielle was in her room, humming to a tone. She sat on her dressing chair, took a brush, and made her hair with the help of Nadia.

She seemed to be happy undermining the wrath that was going to befall her soon.

"My Lady, you seem to be extremely happy," Nadia said with a smile on her face after noticing her mistress's happy mood.

Ariel chuckled, using the back of her left palm to cover her mouth. "Yes, Nadia."

Nadia finished tying Ariel's hair into a ponytail. She helped Ariel lose the string of her gown and got her changed into her bathrobe.

"Your warm bath is ready," Nadia informed.

They got to the inner chamber where the bathroom was located.

Ariel was in no mood to use the shower since it was tiring to stand and have her evening bath.

She stripped and got inside the pool-like bathtub. Nadia sprinkled petals inside the pool where Ariel was bathing.

Ariel loved the scent of the flowers. "Nadia, where did you get these lovely petals from?"

"My Lady, these petals are gotten from the King's garden. But too bad I don't know the plant that it was gotten from." Nadia said.

"The King's garden?" Ariel asked curiously. She wanted to ask more about the King's garden but she hesitated because her curiosity almost landed her in grave danger.

Ariel admired every part of her skin. She felt a strong hand massaging her back.

"Nadia, your hands are so strong," Ariel complained but she felt at ease with the hands that were massaging her back.

Ariel succumbed to the pleasure she was receiving. She closed her eyes and let the cool breeze kiss every part of her skin.

She felt a cold lip on her collarbone. A cold tongue on her neck. Ariel was shocked. She opened her eyes immediately and wanted to break free but the string arms held her still.

"Shh! Don't kill the fun." A manly voice echoed in the place.

Ariel was caught aback on hearing the sound of the melodious manly voice. She knew who it was.

King Vladimir!

What?

Ariel embraced herself. Covering her private areas with her hands, searching for her maid.

"Nadia!" She called.

"I already sent her away. It's just the both of us and besides, I've seen every part of your body." King Vladimir confessed with a smirk on his face.

Ariel was embarrassed, her cheeks flushed red. She was still dripping wet since she was inside the pool bath. She turned to face him and ft like slapping the smirk off his face.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" He placed his hand on her shoulder, giving her a quick massage. His hands roamed down to her chest but Ariel was quick to slap his hands away.

"What do you think you're doing?" Ariel asked, knitting her brow.

King Vladimir leaned closer. He pulled off his shoe, adjusted his robe to his waist, and fixed his legs inside the pool. He had already changed from his royal clothes to a normal robe.

"I'm to help you get a bath and it's my way of punishing you after sending me that note." He said. "You think you're smart huh?"

"You can't keep me here as a prisoner forever." Ariel retorted.

"I can but I won't." He assured. "Come here. You might catch a cold." He motioned her to stay in between his legs and she did.

Slowly, she gave in to him and let him take over. The way he played with her skin was something she had never experienced in her whole life of existence. He was careful with every touch.

Ariel's mind was at ease. King Vladimir, on the other hand, was enjoying himself and sometimes he played dirty tricks with the body which Ariel reacted to.

After they were both done, he helped her get dressed into a fine evening dress.

"You know what? When I read your damn letter, I felt like strangling the life out of you." King Vladimir revealed, brushing her long hair.

"As if!" Ariel puffed.

"Don't underestimate me, I can do anything." King Vladimir boasted.

"I can't believe you ready-made my hair this pretty," Ariel said in surprise after he was done with her hair. Her hair was tied in a bun.

Nadia and Sabre couldn't keep up with the way King Vladimir decorated her hair with silver hairpins.

"You see, don't underestimate me. I didn't learn it from anyone. I just did it since you're the first. You should be grateful." He said crossing his arms on his chest.

Ariel chuckled. Since when did she start to find peace in King Vladimir's company? She couldn't believe it herself but it doesn't matter because it might not last forever.

Nothing lasts forever!

"About the note, I'm sorry about it." Ariel apologized.

King Vladimir patted her hair and sighed. He turned the chair she was sitting around making her face him.

"I've done my part in punishing you and that made me see every part of your body." His lips curved into a small smirk. He had found his new hobby and teasing his wife was his new hobby.

Although, he hasn't considered her as his wife yet. He needed to make her trust him and also otherwise. Since Amira forced him to play a lovey-dovey part, he needed to try.

Ariel was embarrassed by his words. Shy to the extent that her burning cheeks were visible. That didn't escape King Vladimir's eyes.

"Why are your cheeks red? Did you apply to make up for it?" He knew more than that. He just told her that he had seen her body, that was enough reason for her cheeks to burn.

"No...not at all!" Ariel said, using her hands to fan herself.

"I can see that." He placed his index finger on her left cheek.

Ariel wanted to disappear. This man was too much and she can't handle him.

King Vladimir felt the hotness of her cheek and smiled to himself. He stood straight and headed to the door to give her some space.

"We'll go on a horse ride this evening. I'll be waiting for you at the stable. Five minutes would be enough to cool your burning cheeks." He said before leaving her room.

Ariel sighed in relief. She stood up from her seat and pounced on her bed. He had already dressed her up. All she had to do was to make sure that she was well-to-do before going on a horse ride with him.