Chapter 48: The Flashback (5) The Normal Morning Routine

Mikhailis then entered the room again and closed the door to the garden before going back to the bed. Elowen approached the bed, her presence filling the room with a serene warmth. She sat down beside him, her silver hair cascading like moonlight down her back. Mikhailis reached out, brushing a strand behind her ear. Her golden eyes met his, and they exchanged a look that needed no words. The morning, like their nights together, had become sacred—an important ritual that grounded them amidst all the chaos of courtly duties and royal expectations. "When are you heading out today?" he asked, already knowing the answer but wanting to hear it from her. "Six, if there are urgent matters, otherwise at seven," she replied, her voice carrying that familiar note of duty. She sighed softly, leaning her head on his shoulder for a moment. "There are always things that need attending. I wish it were different." "Well," Mikhailis started, letting out a small, wry chuckle. "at least mornings are still ours. And our nights too, of course. Not a bad trade, right?" Elowen smiled, a delicate, almost wistful expression. "Not bad at all," she murmured. "Though I’d prefer the luxury of more time together." They often talked like this in the morning—soft, intimate conversations while the rest of the castle still slept. Their nights were filled with passion, but their mornings were gentle, a time for affectionate stories, a chance for Elowen to share what was happening in her realm. Today, however, was different. She leaned back slightly, her expression growing serious, though her hand remained in his, fingers interlaced. Mikhailis noticed the shift immediately. "What is it?" he asked, tilting his head, his curiosity piqued. She took a slow breath, her eyes focusing on their joined hands. "We’ve found the suspect," she said quietly. Mikhailis raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Really? That was quick. Who is it?" Elowen hesitated for a moment, her eyes lifting to meet his. "It’s one of the maids attending to you. The investigation led to several discrepancies in her activities. This morning, during breakfast, we’ll carry out the capture. I need you to act normal until everything’s in place." Mikhailis blinked, absorbing the information. One of the maids, huh... I guess it’s just what I expected His thoughts quickly went through the list of those who attended him—each face, each interaction. "That’s... something," he muttered, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed the implications. Then, he gave her a soft smile. "Alright, I’ll play my part. Glad we’re finally getting this sorted." Elowen’s expression softened, a sense of relief washing over her features. Perhaps, she anticipated a face of displeasure from Mikhailis from getting such a dangerous maid that made him end up getting abducted, but he didn’t. Knowing that, she smiled. She nodded, leaning in to press her forehead against his. "Thank you," she whispered. The warm water felt incredible, soothing his tired muscles as he sank into the tub, letting out a contented sigh. "Just like an old man, aren’t you?" Lira’s voice came from nearby, and Mikhailis opened one eye, finding her standing at the edge of the bath, her arms crossed, a slight smirk on her lips. "Shut it," he shot back, closing his eyes again. "Old or not, a good soak is something everyone can appreciate." Lira chuckled, shaking her head. "If you say so, Your Highness." There was a pause, a moment of silence where the only sound was the water lapping against the sides of the tub. Mikhailis could feel Lira’s gaze on him, and a thought crossed his mind—a mischievous idea he couldn’t resist. He cracked one eye open, looking up at her. "Hey, Lira." She raised an eyebrow, her eyes meeting his. "Yes, Your Highness?" "Why don’t you wash my head?" he said, his tone playful, a grin on his face. Lira hesitated, her expression a mix of surprise and something else—something softer, almost vulnerable. Mikhailis was about to laugh it off, to tell her he was just joking, but before he could, she cut him off. "Fine," she said quietly, stepping closer. Her movements were careful, almost hesitant, and Mikhailis felt his heart skip a beat as she knelt beside the tub. She reached for a towel, dipping it into the water before gently placing it on his head. Her fingers moved through his hair, massaging his scalp, her touch surprisingly gentle. Mikhailis closed his eyes, letting out a sigh, though his mind was racing. This was... different. Intimate, in a way he hadn’t expected. After a moment, Lira shifted, her voice soft. "Lean back." Mikhailis did as she said, feeling her pull him gently. He opened his eyes, blinking in surprise as she placed his head on her lap, the towel cushioning him. She began to massage his face, her fingers moving expertly over his temples, his jaw. From this angle, Mikhailis couldn’t help but notice—he could see her clearly, her body above him, her chest right there in his line of sight. His mind raced, a single thought repeating over and over. Eureka. Eureka. Eureka. He fought to keep his expression neutral, though he could feel his face heating up. Lira, for her part, seemed focused, her expression calm as she worked. After a few moments, she finally stopped, her hands moving away, and Mikhailis let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. There was a tension between them now—something unspoken, something neither of them acknowledged. Mikhailis cleared his throat, sitting up, his heart still pounding. He moved out of the bath, reaching for a towel. He could feel Lira’s gaze on him, the air between them thick with something neither of them wanted to name. He quickly dried off, wrapping the towel around his waist before turning back to her, a small, forced smile on his face. "Alright," he said, his voice a bit too loud, a bit too forced. "Time for breakfast." Lira nodded, her expression composed, though there was a softness in her eyes that hadn’t been there before. "Yes, Your Highness." Mikhailis turned, heading out of the bathroom, his mind racing. There was something there, something shifting between them, and he couldn’t deny it any longer. But for now, he pushed it aside. He had a role to play, and breakfast awaited.