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I returned to my room with the maids, carrying hot gallons of water in vases. I requested for them to leave them outside the door, not wanting them to see Annalise.

I opened the door, and immediately my eyes found her. She was sitting cross-legged by the fire, nervously twirling her necklace as she viewed the shadows.

I placed the vase down, causing her to jump unexpectedly. Her eyes were wide with fear, and she scooted closer to the fire. I realized that the mood from before had ended.

"Are you alright?" I came up behind her, rubbing her back in circles.

She continued to twirl the necklace I gave her,"I've never been in your room alone before in the dark."

I'd noticed she had accumulated a new fear of shadows, especially ones on walls. Every day since her return, she's always doing things outside, wanting to be in the sun. It was as almost if she thought there wasn't going to be a tomorrow, so she wanted to spend today making the most of her time.

I would never be able to comprehend the trauma Annalise went through in the cave, but I was willing to do everything in my power to help her heal. She still hadn't explained her full experience, and I could tell she was trying to hide it- but I would never ask her to deliberately talk about it.

"Guess what?" I grabbed her hands away from the necklace, causing her eyes to cut to mine. I wanted to try a new tactic.

"What?" She asked me, curious at my excitement. I grabbed a chocolate strawberry from the table, holding it up near the fire so that a shadow of it cast onto the carpet.

"What is this a shadow of?" I asked her.

"A chocolate strawberry." She reached for it, wanting to eat the delight, but I wouldn't let her. She seemed as if she wanted to roll her eyes, but at least her fear from before was gone.

"What about this?" I grabbed her chin, kissing her cheek so that she could view the image of us.

"The prince of Deltora kissing a Descuvian-"

"Well, more like a boy kissing a girl he loves, but that's besides the point. Shadows aren't always bad, sweetheart." I finally handed her the chocolate strawberry.

Though she was still very drunk, she obviously understood my message. I placed my hands on both sides of her cheeks, trying to rub out the wrinkles on her forehead and bring her comfort.

"I think I understand what you're trying to say," she remarked, picking up the rose from her hair and holding it up to the fire. In the shadow, thorns grew up the side of the rose; the petals were defined and even looked soft in its own reflection.

I took the rose from her, viewing the tangled mess atop of her head. "Eat as much as you like," I winked at her, gesturing to the snacks.

One by one, I unloaded the vases of water into the bath, lighting candles around the bathroom. The soft glow of the moon was hidden behind the window. I picked the petals off of the rose, placing them in the bath. Before I retrieved Annalise, I turned around one more time, making sure everything looked perfect.

The moon.

This finished the scene, the whole bathroom was now covered in a blue hue as the full moon shone when I opened the window.

Damn Damien, you sure knew how to set up a romantic scene.

"Is it ready? I don't want the water to get cold." Annalise appeared behind me, munching on an oatmeal cookie. I snatched it from her, shoving the rest of it in my mouth. She slightly glared at me, but let my action pass without reprimanding me.

Instead, she turned her attention to the bath. Her mouth slightly parted as she noticed the petals, not expecting the view before us.

"Are we taking a bath... together?" She hesitated, bringing her arms around her chest, holding herself.

"We don't have to. Anything is fine with me, shortcake." I leaned up against the door, waiting for her reaction.

"I mean," she paused, looking at my chest,"I need help washing my hair anyway." She tried to blow it off, but I knew deep down she was in turmoil.

With one look, I understood she wanted to take a bath together, but it was going to be a big step seeing a male completely naked. She didn't seem worried about her nudity more than mine, perhaps because I've seen her in the worst situations possible.

After the club, in the bath in Henry's room, ect.

Our bond has grown significantly stronger since then, and I was certain that if my girl was ever going to see a male naked for the first time- it was going to be me.

"I'll go grab some shampoo for you, go ahead and get in." I gave her a reassuring wink, closing the door behind me.

The shampoo was actually located in the bathroom, but I didn't want to let her think that. Whatever decision she made on wether she wanted to take a bath with me needed to be made on her own.

I propped open a book about war tactics, skimming the pages. I was trying to get my mind off of her decision. It really wasn't that big of a deal, but I didn't want to make her nervous.

Or am I really the nervous one?

"Did you find the shampoo or what?" Annalise's muffled voice echos behind the door. I abruptly put the book down, starting to take off my shirt.

Wait... I would freak her out if I just walked in naked.

I put my shirt back on, smacking my head as I walked to the bathroom door. I stood there, waiting, but I didn't know for what.

Get yourself together! You are hot shit!

"Damien, are you there?" She paused, the sound of water splashing around.

I didn't think as I opened the door, not expecting the sight before me. I understood I had prepared a romantic scene, but I didn't expect the beauty before me.

When I was with other girls, I always thought their bodies were desirable, but I never took the time to look for beauty in them.

The moonlight cast a blue-tint to swirl around the water, glowing profoundly. It seemed as if Annalise's chest was shining, the droplets of water in the full moon cast a luminous aura. Her hair was wet, flowing around the water like spinning silk. Her hips were perfectly curved, and I just wanted to grab them and hold her close to me. Her bended legs stretched across the bathtub, long and slightly muscular. Her breasts were full, but not to the point where I couldn't wrap my hand around them. They were pink and pout, dancing in the brisk moonlit air.

"Beautiful." I whispered out, not even realizing I had spoke my thoughts aloud.

"What?" She questioned softly.

"You are beautiful, Annalise." I looked her straight in the eyes, not faltering. I wanted to let her know how much I valued her, and how I thought of her as a pedestal of pure perfection.

She blushed, bending her legs in to hide her body.

Oh so now your self-conscious? After I tell you how I view your body?

"Thank you, Damien." The gold necklace shined the brightest on her chest, handing low as she wrapped her arms around her legs. My crown around the rose was most visible, and I smiled in delight.

"I'm coming in," I chuckled, realizing that I wasn't nervous anymore. I wanted to be with Annalise in that bath more than anything.

I crossed my arms around my shirt, peeling it off in one go. Annalise couldn't help but view my torso, and I had to hold back a smirk. I unbuttoned my pants, stepping out of them one by one, and she was just watching as if it was a show. I only stood in my boxers, and Annalise looked as if she was about to pass out from anticipation.

I took them off, waiting for her new reaction. Annalise blushed harder and looked back up at my face, trying not to make a big deal about it.

I grabbed the shampoo from the drawer, walking over to the bath. I slowly got in, facing forward.

"I thought you were getting the shampoo?" Annalise smirked at me.

I chuckled,"I didn't want you to be scared!"

"You think I'm scared of you?" She playfully splashed water on me, arching a brow.

"I don't know sweetheart, I can be a little scary." I winked at her, but she took the joke sexually- taking a quick glance at my lower torso.

"Little Damien has nothing to do with taking a bath together." She remarked with a pout, still trying to act like she wasn't scared of taking a bath with me.

"Little Damien!" I scoffed,"I don't think you will be calling him 'little', later."

"There won't be a later if you keep talking like that." She warned me, her eyes narrowed.

I held up my hands in defeat,"I'll start washing your hair now." She smiled, happy I didn't take my chances and turned around.

She was almost laying in my lap as I massaged her head, taking the time to make sure every strand was covered in bubbles. She sighed in contentment, relaxing against me. I smiled as I viewed her long eyelashes and slight curved lips, knowing I was making her feel so pleasured.

"You know, I meant what I said when you came back. That I love you," I placed a kiss on her neck and then cheek, continuing my massage.

She opened her eyes, a soft look in her eye,"I know you did." I could tell as she looked at me she was hesitating, holding back what she wanted to say.

I only smiled back, leaning her head down to wash the shampoo out. Her hair tickled through the water, soft and silky.

Suddenly, I heard a knock from the room. The bathroom door was open, so I knew it was coming from the front door.

"Who could that be?" Annalise questioned, sitting up.

"Let me go see," I sighed, getting out of the warm water. I pulled a robe over myself, not bothering to wipe my body with a towel- I wanted to come straight back.

The door knocked again, and I quickly walked over with a grimace. I opened the door, revealing a maid holding a letter. The seal held the Deltorian crown.

"From the King." She handed it to me, bowing her head low.

"Thank you," I shut the door as she scurried away.

"He doesn't even have the decency to speak with me anymore," I walked back into the bathroom, letter in hand.

"Your father?" I gave her the envelope as I stepped back into the bath, taking off the robe. "What could he want at this time of night?"

"Let's see," I ripped the seal off, taking out the white parchment paper. His handwriting was in perfect cursive, played across the paper in expensive ink.

"Dear Prince Darius of Deltora,

You have been invited by the Princess of Tarzla to a formal dinner with her family. They have just arrived at the kingdom tonight, and are expecting you to attend the dinner tomorrow night in the palace. I will be attending this dinner as well, to ensure the feast will go smoothly. I will hear no objections on the matter, and expect that you will treat the Princess with the upmost respect at this dinner.

- King Eggar

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

🤭

Annalise is not going to be too happy about this.

I hope you guys enjoyed the update!! I love all of your comments, and my book had finally started to gain recognition- it makes me so happy!

Thank you all for your lovely comments and continuous support.

Love you girl💗 been here through my whole journey.

I love you all!! Don't change ✨