Rouya needed the short break between her ordeal at the temple and the council meeting. She might be new to politics but it occurred to her that there seemed to be an abundance of bad news while good came in short supply and usually followed by a disclaimer.

The queen let herself dip under the water of her bathtub and inspected the marking on her finger. A connection to her daeva. The image of Mah kissing her flashed through her mind, catching her off guard. She gasped, still underwater and found herself choking on water and quickly rising back up, coughing it back out.

"Do I have to start worrying about you drowning in your own bath?" Evelyn asked, raising a brow.

Rouya lowered her gaze from the woman and felt a sense of shame overcoming her. "No, I was ju— Well, yes actually you should."

"I should?"

"There's no reason for you to sit over there and watch me when you can join me. I'm sure you'd enjoy a nice bath as well."

Evelyn knitted her brows. "I don't require baths. With a bit of magic I'm able to restore myself to peak condition."

Rouya pulled her legs back up against her chest, making space for her. "Come now. It's human to do things we don't require."

Evelyn stood and glanced from Rouya to the water before unfastening the straps of her clothing and letting them drop to the floor. Her clothes, being created out of magic, vaporized in a blue cloud and left her in the nude. The sight of her pristine smooth skin and gentle curves sent Rouya's heart racing. She even envied her for the larger breasts, even though she told herself size would only get in the way during a fight.

The maiden dipped her feet in the water and paused. "It's warm."

"That's the point," Rouya added and beckoned her closer. "Turn around let me wash your back. It'll feel nice."

Evelyn did as she said and sat with her back to Rouya. They'd been together plenty of times but never this close and without clothing.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Rouya dipped the sponge into the water, gulping as she eyed the maiden's bare neck. She lifted it over her back and squeezed, allowing the water to drip down her curve and start rubbing her back gently. "Doesn't that smell fresh? It's lavender and works wonders."

"You haven't told me anything about your trip to the Shadow Realm," Evelyn said, slowly. She glanced over her shoulder and met her eyes. "I thought you were going to summon me when you arrived. What happened?"

"I saw my father, but that can't be, he's not a daeva."

Evelyn nodded and turned around to face her. "The Shadow Realm is a reflection of the physical universe with its own inhabitants. People we believe to be dead can still exist there as a shadow of their previous selves. It's why people shouldn't go there during uncertain times. That and the magic will get to your mind."

"I understand but I did bind a daeva," Rouya said, holding her hand so Evelyn could see the mark around her finger. "I'll introduce you two later so you can get to know each other."

"Introductions aren't required. What are her talents?"

Rouya sighed, tilting her head to the side. "I'm not sure but she's quite persuasive and attractive."

"Attractive?" Evelyn asked, raising her brows. She rose up from the bath and moved to step out but Rouya quickly caught her hand.

"Stay, please. I think you're beautiful as well but you've been treating me different since I took the Nazar."

"You're my master and I'm just a servant, your Battle Maiden. Nothing more and nothing less."

Rouya's heart sank at hearing the emotionless words come from her. "Is that all I am to you?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together and sat back down, eyes no longer looking up to meet Rouya. She appeared distant, lost in her own memories Rouya could only imagine. The Battle Maidens were thousands of years old and must have seen a lot during that time. "Masters die, sooner rather than later. It's best for me not to get attached. We should concentrate on the upcoming fights. Our opponents aren't going to make it easy for us to defeat them."

"There's got to be more than just fighting," Rouya said, leaning closer. She brushed a strand of loose hair aside and smiled. "I'm so glad that I have you on my side. I don't think I could fight you."

"Master--" Evelyn was cut off when Rouya moved in and pressed her lips against hers. The maiden briefly resisted but returned the kiss with renewed vigor. "We shouldn't. It only ends badly."

"I'm not going to hide my emotions any longer," Rouya said and pulled her in so they could continue the kiss. She wrapped her legs around Evelyn's waist and pressed their bodies together. Evelyn's hands explored the curves of her waist and gentle breasts, cupping them in her hands. A breath escaped Rouya's lips as she began trailing Evelyn's chest with her tongue.