Being Protected

Jinny glanced at the dark, cloud-filled sky through the small kitchen window. A sense of unease settled over her as she whispered to herself, "It looks like it's going to rain today."

Shaking off the feeling, she quickly grabbed the tray of food meant for the emperor and made her way down the long hallway. As she walked, hushed voices caught her attention.

"Did you hear? The soldiers were in a hurry today. I heard there was an attack at the borders," one servant whispered.

"Yes, I heard it too. Most of the knights were sent as reinforcements. It's terrifying," another replied.

"What if the enemy manages to infiltrate the capital again? Are we really safe here?" the first servant murmured, voice laced with fear.

"If they break into the palace, it'll be the end for all of us. They'll kill everyone inside. I'm so scared."

Jinny clenched the tray a little tighter. Their fear was contagious, gnawing at her own doubts. Could the soldiers truly protect them?

By the time she reached the emperor's chambers, the rain had begun to pour, heavy and relentless. She set the dishes carefully on the ornate table and bowed.

"Your Majesty, the food is ready."

Emperor Matias, who had been engrossed in reading, finally set his book aside. Without a word, he picked up his utensils and began eating. The silence between them was thick, broken only by the sound of rain pattering against the windows. Thunder rumbled in the distance.

Jinny stole a glance outside. The storm was growing stronger.

"Prepare my bath," Matias ordered as he finished his meal.

"Yes, Your Majesty," she responded promptly before heading toward the royal bath.

She prepared warm water, ensuring the temperature was just right, before assisting him. As she carefully scrubbed his arm, she couldn't help but stare at his body. Her eyes lingered on his form—his broad shoulders, his toned muscles.

Lost in thought, she didn't notice Matias watching her intently. His gaze traced her delicate features, the smoothness of her skin—unusual for a mere servant. Even her scent was pleasant, refined. There was something about her that didn't quite fit the role she played.

Jinny finally became aware of his piercing stare. When she looked up, their faces were suddenly too close.

Matias swallowed, his gaze lowering to her lips.

Flustered, Jinny quickly turned away. "D-Do you need something, Your Majesty?" she stammered, cheeks burning.

Matias didn't answer right away. Then, in his usual cold tone, he asked, "Where are you from?"

Her hands froze mid-motion. How was she supposed to answer that? Would he believe her if she said she came from another world? No, he'd think she was mad and throw her out of the palace. But if she lied about losing her memory and he discovered the truth, she might be executed for deceit.

Matias studied her hesitation. "The head butler told me you lost your memories, and Sir Yehuda found you in the forest. Is that true?"

Jinny lowered her gaze. "Y-Yes, Your Majesty. I… I don't remember how I ended up here."

Matias turned his attention to the steaming bathwater, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he spoke.

"If you have nowhere else to go, you may stay here. You'll be safe."

Safe? Could she truly be safe here? The emperor was ill, the palace vulnerable. If the enemy attacked, would she even survive?

As if sensing her doubt, Matias held her chin to meet her eyes. "You are safe, as long as I am here."

Then, without warning, he stood.

Jinny gasped and quickly covered her eyes. He's naked!

"You serve under me," Matias continued, unfazed. "You are my responsibility." He reached for his robe and draped it over himself before turning back to her. His gaze was steady, unwavering.

"I will protect you."

Jinny's breath caught.

Would he really?

She watched as he turned toward the window, his silhouette outlined against the storm outside.

Is he really going to protect her?

.

.

When the emperor finally fell asleep, Jinny returned to her quarters. She grabbed her sleeping clothes and, instead of resting, stepped out once more. She needed a bath before bed.

She made her way to the communal bathing area, where the servants usually washed. Upon arriving, she undressed, letting the cool air brush against her skin before stepping under the water. Warm droplets cascaded over her body as she lathered herself with soap, scrubbing away the exhaustion of the day.

She was in the middle of bathing when the door suddenly creaked open.

Startled, she gasped and quickly grabbed a towel, wrapping it around herself.

"W-Who's there?" she stammered.

Her eyes widened in shock when she saw Sir Yehuda standing at the entrance. He was shirtless, a towel wrapped around his waist, and in his hands were a bar of soap and a bottle of shampoo.

"I-I'm sorry!" Yehuda quickly turned away, clearly flustered. "I didn't know someone was still bathing at this hour. I thought I was the only one awake."

Jinny swallowed, her face burning with embarrassment. "I-It's okay... I just returned from serving the emperor and wanted to wash up before bed."

She gripped the towel tighter around her chest, feeling mortified that Yehuda had seen her like this.

"W-Well... since it's already late, and we have to leave early tomorrow, I need to finish quickly," Yehuda muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "If it's all right with you… can I join you?"

Jinny bit her lip. The two of them? Bathing together?

"I-Is it really okay?" Yehuda asked again, his voice hesitant.

She hesitated, then gave a small nod. "T-That's… a-all right."

Yehuda smiled, relieved. "Thank you."

He walked to the other side of the bathing area, keeping a respectful distance. They continued washing in silence.

Just as Jinny was finishing scrubbing her legs, Yehuda spoke.

"I know this is a lot to ask, but… could you help me scrub my back?"

Jinny froze. She stared at his broad, muscular back, covered with scars from past battles. Unlike the emperor, whose skin remained smooth despite his years on the battlefield, Yehuda's skin was rough—marked by war.

She gulped. "S-Sure… N-No problem."

Taking the soap, she walked toward him, her hands trembling slightly. As she started scrubbing his back, she felt the hard ridges of his scars beneath her fingertips.

Yehuda remained still, his fists clenched. This was the first time a woman had ever touched him like this.

Jinny was quiet as she worked, but suddenly, her chest accidentally brushed against his back. Yehuda flinched.

"I-I'm sorry!" she blurted out, stepping back in shock.

"I-It's all right," he said quickly, avoiding her gaze.

Jinny swallowed hard and continued, though she was now hyper-aware of how close they were. Yehuda, too, couldn't ignore how soft her hands felt against his skin. It didn't seem like the hands of a servant—could she have come from a noble family?

"I'm done," Jinny finally said, stepping back.

Yehuda exhaled and turned slightly. "Thanks."

Jinny was about to return to her spot when, suddenly, she slipped.

"Aahh!" she cried out, her arms flailing.

She shut her eyes, bracing for impact. But before she could hit the ground, strong arms caught her.

She opened her eyes, her breath hitching. Yehuda was holding her. But then she realized—her towel had fallen.

She was completely naked in his arms.

Yehuda froze. His eyes widened as he unintentionally took in her bare form.

"W-Waahh!" Jinny squealed, quickly grabbing the towel from the floor and wrapping it around herself again.

"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to look!" Yehuda stammered, turning his back to her immediately.

Jinny covered her face with her hands, completely mortified. This is so embarrassing!

Seeing her panic, Yehuda gently reached for her hand. "Please, calm down. It's all right."

Jinny hesitated but slowly looked up at him, her face still flushed. "B-But..." She sniffled, overwhelmed.

Yehuda smiled softly and reached up to wipe the tears forming in her eyes. "You're at an age now where you don't have to be so shy. Sooner or later, you'll show your body to your future husband."

Jinny's breath caught. "B-But… you're not my—" She stopped, unable to finish her sentence.

Yehuda met her gaze with unwavering sincerity. "I'll take responsibility. I will marry you… after the war."

Jinny's eyes widened. "M-Marry me?"

Yehuda nodded firmly. "Yes. I like you, Jinny."

Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. Sir Yehuda… likes me?

She was only seventeen, while Yehuda was in his mid-20s.

Seeing her shock, Yehuda gently cupped her cheek. "I promise, I will marry you. Will you wait for me?"

Tears slipped down Jinny's cheeks. She nodded. If it's Sir Yehuda, she would be willing to marry him.

Yehuda smiled before pulling her into a tight embrace.

Then, as if drawn by an unseen force, his gaze dropped to her lips. Slowly, he leaned in.

Jinny didn't pull away. She closed her eyes as their lips met, soft and tentative at first, then growing deeper.

Before she knew it, Yehuda was lowering her onto the warm floor.

And that night… was a moment Jinny would never forget.