Welcome Home

As they once again mounted the carriage, the castle loomed into view, and Azrya found herself dumbfounded by its sheer size and imposing architecture. It wasn't beautiful. It was formidable—more fortress than palace, almost prison-like in its grandeur. A swarm of butterflies stirred in her stomach as the weight of reality settled in: this was to be her new home. She fidgeted with her fingers nervously, aware of Akio's silent gaze on her.

When they arrived, a small host of servants awaited them at the steps. At the front stood an elderly man and woman, who bowed deeply along with the others as the couple descended from the carriage.

"My Lord, My Lady," the man greeted, his voice smooth and practiced, "your return is a delight to us all. A magnificent banquet has been prepared in your honour this evening."

Then, turning to Azrya with a gentler expression, he added, "Lady Azryana, it is my greatest honour to welcome you to your new home. I am Albert, the butler of this estate. If ever you require anything, I and the staff are at your complete disposal. It is our duty to ensure your comfort."

Azrya smiled politely and thanked him.

The woman beside him gave a respectful bow. "If it pleases you both, a hot bath and refreshments await you in your chambers."

Before Azrya could respond, Akio interjected sharply, "Yes, that's all well." Without further ceremony, he grabbed Azrya's wrist and began dragging her away, much to her surprise.

As she glanced back, she caught a glimpse of a few young maidservants whispering and giggling discreetly behind their hands. She chose to ignore them.

Growing impatient, Akio suddenly decided it would be faster to carry her. Without warning, he swept her off her feet, eliciting a startled yelp from her lips.

"Put me down!" she protested, wriggling indignantly. "I'm perfectly capable of walking!"

He didn't even bother to respond, carrying her effortlessly up the grand staircase and into the master chamber. Only when they arrived did he finally set her down on the plush bed.

Azrya paused, taking in her new surroundings. The room was vast and warm, lit by the flickering glow of a fire. Ornate furnishings lined the walls, and a thick bear-skin rug sprawled across the floor. In the corner, a generous tub steamed invitingly.

Her gaze landed on an enormous mirror that stood opposite the bed. She stepped in front of it and gasped at her reflection—hair tousled, clothes creased from travel.

"I would like to bathe," she announced, drawing herself up and trying to sound assertive. "If you could kindly leave the room, that would be much appreciated."

Akio scoffed. "Why should I? First, it's my room. And second, it's not like I haven't seen it all already."

A deep blush spread across her cheeks at his implication. She opened her mouth to argue but froze as he began to undress.

He removed his armour first, followed by his tunic—revealing a lean, muscular frame, bronzed skin stretched over broad shoulders and defined abs. Flustered, Azrya quickly turned away.

"W-what are you doing?" she stammered.

"I'm going to bathe," he said simply. "You can join me or stay as you are. Up to you." he shrugged.

"The tub isn't big enough for the both of us—and I would like my privacy!"

With a crooked smirk, Akio walked toward her, unbuckling his belt as he went. 

She leaned away from him as he took of his belt and discarded it, the leather clinked to the floor with a thud that made her jump.

He was stood in front of her with his crotch directly aligned with her eyes.

He then dropped his trousers and undergarments, letting them hang loosely at his feet while his erect member pointed at her like a loaded gun, and she was the target.

Her heart pounded in her chest, and she looked away as he stood towering over her, with a cheek grin on his face.

"Don't be shy now, where's all that attitude gone?" He taunted her, while firmly gripping her chin and making her face his direction, staring straight at the monster that had emerged from his pants.

The sight of it made her shudder. It was so veiny and large with a slight curve. She wondered how on Earth she was able to take it all in previously.

Before he could taunt her some more, there was a loud knock at the door.

Akio cursed. "WHO IS IT?" he barked.

"Commander, you are needed urgently!" came the muffled reply.

Azrya exhaled in relief, her shoulders relaxing.

Akio, grumbling obscenities under his breath, hastily redressed and turned to her with a heated look. "Next time, Azrya. Next time."

She glared at him as he left, then locked the door behind him.

What a uncivilised brute! She thought to herself before locking the door. She undressed then sank into the hot water, letting the heat hug her small frame and enjoying the moment of calm.

 She tried to block out all thought of Akio, but every time she closed her eyes all she could think of was his large, bulging member that threatened her with its very existence.

She felt an unfamiliar heat rise in her lower abdomen, but this wasn't from the warmth of the water. This was something else.

"Snap out of it!", she said to herself why splashing water on her face, to silence the uncomfortable feeling in her body.

After scrubbing her skin and washing her long silver hair, she dried herself off with a thick towel. Just as she was wondering what to wear, there came another knock.

"We're here to dress you, My Lady—on Lord Akio's instruction," one of the maidservants called.

Tentatively, Azrya opened the door. The maids entered with practiced efficiency, fitting her into a tight corset that stole nearly all her breath, followed by a gown of deep royal blue. Silver embroidery glittered across the bodice, sleeves, and waist, and the fabric clung to every curve of her figure. 

They seated her at a vanity and styled her hair into an elegant braided updo, securing it with a delicate silver pin. A rosy tint was added to her lips and cheeks.

"All done, My Lady," they said in unison, bowing.

Azrya stood and approached the mirror, stunned by her own reflection.

Jewels sparkled at her throat and fingers. Her figure—so often hidden under plain dresses—now radiated womanly elegance. She looked away shyly, her gaze landing on her exposed cleavage.

"Isn't this a bit... lewd?" she asked hesitantly.

"Not at all," one maid replied brightly. "This is the latest fashion, all the noble ladies are wearing gowns like this. You look radiant."

Taking their word for it, Azrya thanked them. The girls curtsied and quietly slipped out of the room.

Moments later, there was another knock.

Albert stood at the door, his face lighting up at the sight of her. "My Lady, what a vision you are tonight. Sir Akio will be most pleased."

He extended his arm. "May I escort you to the banquet?"

Flushed at the compliment, Azrya nodded and took his arm.

As they approached the grand hall, she heard laughter, the clink of goblets, and the boisterous cheers of inebriated knights. She stopped short at the threshold, nerves rising in her throat.

Sensing her hesitation, Albert offered a reassuring smile. "No need to worry, My Lady. You'll be just fine."

"Thank you, Albert," she whispered.

At that, he opened the doors.

The room fell into immediate silence.

Only whispers filled the air as every eye turned to her. Azrya swallowed hard, her heart hammering, butterflies now a full storm in her belly.

Her gaze met Akio's across the room.

His icy stare pierced through the crowd—unflinching, unreadable.

And her skin prickled beneath it.