Chapter 7

Sitting in silence, I bowed my head and closed my eyes as I felt his fingers continue to massage the soap deep into my back. One by one, he lifted my arms and gently washed the dirt and grime away, revealing my pale skin.

"Why are you so pale?" the Prince murmured. "For someone living in a city full of sun, you aren't very tanned?"

"I didn't like to get out much," I shrugged casually. "I usually spent my days looking after my grandmother. Or staying hidden indoors."

"Because of your bullies?" the Prince queried with a slight snarl. "Don't worry. I will find out who attacked you. And they will pay!"

I nodded slowly, not daring to protest against the Prince anymore. I was vaguely aware of a cold liquid dripping onto my hair before the Prince began rubbing the mixture into a soapy lather, gently massaging my scalp with his gentle fingers. Before I could stop myself, a relaxed sigh escaped my lips. It was only now that my body felt tired and achy, and I knew I needed sleep, wherever that would be. As tired as I was, my wolf was different. It took a lot of mental strength to blot her out at this point, but even I could sense that she was ecstatic at being in the bath naked with this god of a man, let alone him touching us.

"Come on. Let's get these suds washed out of your hair," the Prince grunted before tipping a large jug of warm water over my head. "You are tired, and you need sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow."

"Do we?" I stammered slowly. "What's happening?"

"Oh, the usual," the Prince replied calmly. "The day after the selection, we have a big party down in the ballroom so that we can show off our new girls to our friends and family. Some of the girls even get sold to our friends and family if the price is high enough."

"Your disgusting!" I cried out in shock. "We aren't just some pieces of meat that you can sell or buy between you and your fancy men. We have feelings too!"

"Did I say that I sell any of my girls?" the Prince replied cooly. "Unfortunately, my brother has a reputation for being a womaniser. He will have slept with all of his new girls by the morning light and will have made his mind up about them. Any girls he doesn't think will be able to keep up with his demands will be sold to the highest bidder, no doubt. Or killed."

"He is a monster then," I hissed. "No doubt you are the same as him!"

"I am not discussing this with you anymore," the Prince retorted. "You are tired, and you need sleep. Get up and out of the bath. There's a towel over there in the corner. Wrap yourself up and wait for me, over by the archway."

Quickly, I stood up and climbed out of the tub as elegantly as I could, being careful to hide my modesty with my hands. Blushing, as I bent down, I grabbed the towel and firmly wrapped it around me like a large shawl. The towel was still warm and extra fluffy, which felt good against my cold, wet skin. Sneakily, I peeked up as the Prince made his way out of the bathtub, showing off his body in unashamed nakedness. His member was gently waving from side to side as he walked towards me. Embarrassed at being caught prying, I quickly bowed my head.

"I'll pretend that I didn't see you were ogling at me," the Prince grinned smugly. "Come, Elena. Let's get you warmed up and dressed."

Silently, I followed the naked Prince back into the bedroom, shocked to see Davina still waiting patiently by the bed. Glancing up, I peered around the Prince to see Davina glaring at me angrily before retaining her calm posture as the Prince finally addressed her.

"What are you still doing in my chambers, Davina?" the Prince scolded loudly. "I thought I told you to get out?"

"But I did leave the bathroom, Your Highness," stammered Davina. "You said I was to be your bedmaiden for tonight, so I've waited here patiently for you."

"Well, I've changed my mind!" the Prince growled angrily. "When I said get out, I mean get out of my apartment! Go back to the bed maidens quarters. I don't need you tonight!"

Biting my lip, I remained silent but trembled at the sound of how angry the Prince was. All I could hear was a startled squeak coming from the direction of Davina before I felt her run past me, followed by the sound of a slamming door.

"Thank god she has gone," huffed the Prince darkly. "The thick cow thought I meant to get out of the bathroom. Nevermind. Elena, come here so I can dry you. I had some servants bring you some dry clothes to change into, so don't worry about being naked in front of me."

Quickly, I walked across to the Prince and stood in front of him while he removed the towel from my body, and he stepped back to take a long look. I could feel my cheeks beginning to flush once more, and instinctively, I began to move my hands to cover myself, but the Prince quickly stopped me.

"No!" the Prince ordered. "Don't cover up. Let me look at you. You have a lovely body, Elena. Please don't be ashamed of it, and don't try to cover it away from me. Come closer."

Gulping nervously, I stepped closer to the Prince, slightly afraid of what he was going to do to me. But to my surprise, he simply grabbed the towel and began gently rubbing my arms and legs and my back before drying the water out of my hair. Turning to the bed, he picked up a floor-length white cotton nightgown with elbow-length sleeves.

"Here. Put this on," the Prince murmured softly. "This is all we could find at short notice. But from now on, I want you in silks and satins and velvets. I will get my servants to go shopping tomorrow for clothes for you."

"But aren't those materials only allowed for senior bedmaidens?" I asked nervously. "You said I am just going to be a servant."

"Yes, you are, but I still want you sleeping in decent clothes," the Prince muttered before pointing to the sofa in the corner. "Time for you to get into bed. There's a blanket on the couch!"

Nodding, I walked over to the couch and lay down, pulling the fur blanket over me for warmth, but the cold leather of the sofa made me shiver. I could hear the Prince climbing into his bed as he sighed deeply. The room was silent and slightly darker since the Prince blew his bedside candles out. The light of the fire was the only thing illuminating the room, sending eery shadows dancing all over the walls and ceiling, accompanied by the sound of my chattering teeth. That's when I heard the Prince sigh once more, slightly more agitated.

"Elena, get into this bed with me. Now!"