Day 1 as a valet (2)

The chamber was dimly lit, the heavy curtains drawn, allowing only a sliver of morning light to slip through. As soon as Elias stepped inside, he bowed deeply, just as Reginald had instructed.

His heart pounded slightly, but he kept his posture firm, his breathing even.

Now, all that remained was for Cassius to acknowledge him. Only then could he proceed.

For a long, stretched-out moment, there was silence. Elias could feel those piercing blue eyes on him, studying him from behind the mask.

Then, finally—

"You may proceed."

Elias lifted his head and stepped forward, carefully placing the freshly pressed clothes and shoes on the nearby bench. Without sparing another glance at Cassius, he made his way toward the bathing chamber. The water had already been drawn, steam curling into the air, carrying the scent of clean linen and faint herbs. He tested the temperature, ensuring it was just right.

Then, with a steady breath, he turned back toward Cassius—

And froze.

The master was already undoing his shirt.

Elias's brain short-circuited.

Long fingers worked the buttons, slow and unhurried. The fabric slid off his shoulders, revealing firm muscles, smooth skin marred only by faint scars along his arms and torso. Elias barely had time to process the sight before Cassius moved to the next piece of clothing.

Elias spun around so fast he nearly tripped over his own feet.

"Master," he blurted out, voice a little too tight. "I—I'll leave so you can bathe."

A chuckle came out. It was low and amused.

"Leave?" Cassius echoed lazily. "What for?"

Elias's ears burned.

What for?

Because this was supposed to be private! Because a man like Cassius surely wouldn't want someone assisting him in something as intimate as bathing.

Yet before he could speak, the sound of rustling fabric sent another jolt of panic through his veins.

The last piece of clothing hit the floor.

Elias clenched his fists at his sides, his back still turned.

He was going to die here. He was sure of it.

Then—

"Here."

Something was held out to him.

Elias turned his head slightly, and immediately regretted it.

Cassius was already in the bath, steam curling around his broad shoulders, water lapping gently at his chest. He was reclined against the marble edge, one arm draped over the side in an almost lazy manner. His mask remained, of course, but those sharp blue eyes gleamed with undeniable amusement.

And in his outstretched hand—

A washcloth.

Elias stared at it, then at Cassius, then back at it.

"…Master?" His voice came out more like a squeak than an actual word.

Cassius tilted his head. "Is something wrong?"

Elias's throat went dry.

"I—I just assumed you would prefer to bathe on your own," he stammered.

Cassius let out a soft hum. "But you're my valet. And valets assist their masters with bathing, do they not?"

Elias was trapped. There was no arguing that point.

Still, his hand moved slowly as he reached for the cloth, his fingers barely brushing against Cassius's when he took it.

He dipped it into the warm water, wringing it out, trying to focus on the task at hand rather than the fact that he was about to put his hands on his very naked master.

With forced composure, he started with Cassius's arm, gently wiping the cloth over his skin.

It was fine. This was fine. This was just another duty.

"You're trembling."

Elias's fingers spasmed.

Cassius's voice was calm, almost casual, but there was an unmistakable smirk beneath the words.

Elias gritted his teeth, willing his hands to steady.

"I am not," he said stiffly.

A soft chuckle. "You are."

The teasing in his tone made Elias's face burn hotter.

He focused harder on his task, working the cloth over Cassius's broad shoulders, down his chest. The muscles beneath his touch tensed slightly, the water rippling faintly.

His fingers accidentally brushed against the bare skin just above Cassius's collarbone, and the master let out a quiet hum of approval.

Elias nearly dropped the cloth.

"I see why Reginald keeps you around," Cassius mused, voice low. "You're very obedient. Flustered, but obedient."

Elias nearly choked on air.

He wanted to crawl into a hole. He wanted to disappear. But more than anything, he wanted to scrub faster and get this over with.

His movements turned hurried, but Cassius only chuckled again.

By the time he reached for another cloth to wipe Cassius's face, his hands were visibly shaking.

But just as he was about to press it to Cassius's jaw—

"That's enough."

Elias froze, blinking up at him.

Cassius's gaze was unreadable, but the smirk in his voice was impossible to miss.

"I'll take it from here," he murmured.

Elias's breath came out in a quiet rush. He nodded stiffly, placing the cloth down before practically fleeing from the room.

Behind him, Cassius's soft laughter followed.

After a while Cassius had come of the bath, Elias had his back turned the who time Cassius dressed.

All that was left was to fix the tie.

Elias focused on his task, carefully threading the silk tie around Cassius's collar. His hands were steady, though his pulse wasn't.

Cassius stood tall before him, his posture relaxed, his presence looming over him. The faint scent of sandalwood and clean linen clung to him, freshly bathed and dressed, exuding the effortless refinement Elias had come to associate with him.

Elias swallowed, keeping his eyes on the tie as he pulled it into a loose knot, adjusting the length. But before he could finish, he felt it—

That heavy, unwavering gaze.

His fingers faltered slightly.

Slowly, he looked up, and immediately regretted it.

Cassius was watching him—intently. His blue eyes locked onto Elias's face with an unreadable expression, dark and unwavering. His lips were slightly parted, and with the way Elias had to tilt his head up to meet his gaze, they seemed terrifyingly close.

Too close.

Elias's breath hitched, his heartbeat hammering against his ribs.

Cassius didn't move. He simply stood there, letting Elias squirm under the weight of his scrutiny.

It was unbearable.

"M-Master," Elias stammered, cursing himself for the way his voice caught. "I—"

His words died the moment Cassius leaned in.