Wet Towels

Dorian tried to hide his smirk as he placed his arms over the edges of the filled tub, the heat coming off the water was pleasant and he enjoyed the overall atmosphere despite the fact that his companion looked about as pleased as a wyvern in a prison cell.

"You could at least pretend to enjoy yourself," he teased.

Manon narrowed her eyes further than they were as she stared at him from the other side of the tub, her hair up in a messy bun and her arms crossed over her chest. "I have no interest in bathing like this." She was sometimes so inclined to practicality it was borderline painful.

Dorian tilted his head enjoying how the heat caused her pale face to flush slightly. "It's supposed to be relaxing."

"Your human customs are rather insufferable to be quite honest," she looked down at the water at where their feet were tangled because there was not enough space. "How can you find this comfortable?"

The King chuckled and slowly moved forward toward her. She watched like a hawk would its prey and Dorian entertained the fact that he did not mind at all that he was the prey in this scenario, her prey. When he was close enough to mingle breaths he pouted. "Because I can do this." Before she could react, he splashed water on her and let out a low laugh when he caught the expression of complete shock on her face.

It was gone the second it appeared and she glared at him, her mouth curving like she was thinking of baring her teeth. "You are so childish it's maddening," she told him before huffing slightly. "There is a point to having my hair up and that is so it won't get wet."

Dorian could only swallow as she raised a wave of water at him, enough that he was sure she used some magic to give it more force, aimed right at his face. After coughing, Dorian smiled, especially since there was barely any water in the tub left and Manon would soon realize that she had exposed herself to the cold. Even with his magic, Dorian suppressed a shiver, as winter in Adarlan was no laughing matter and it was close to freezing.

He watched as Manon turned to the towels behind him, which were completely soaked through. "Well," he started as she looked away and brought her legs up. "It seems you've made a regrettable mistake."

"Shut up."

"Should I get more towels?"

Her gold eyes slid to his face and he felt desire course through him like molten lava, especially as he watched a drop of water fall slowly down her collarbone to where her arms covered her breasts. "What are you waiting for then?" She told him, knowing exactly what he was thinking, her tone of voice low and tempting.

Dorian played the fool, leaning back and getting comfortable, "let me just enjoy this moment of vulnerability."

She flashed her nails. "I'll show you vulnerable if you do not get the towels this instant." Her eyes lowered in emphasis and he pretended to be insulted.

"I thought that was your most favorite part of me," she growled, "perhaps you would prefer to cuddle away the cold together?"

There were goosebumps on her skin now, but she kept her strong front admirably. "If I have to stand up and get the bloody towels we are never doing this again."

Pleasantly surprised, his grin widened. "Does that mean you want to do this again?"

She blinked, her face unreadable. "Five. Four-"

He was out of the tub and back with the towels from the closet before she could reach 'one.'

I've been warming up to this couple so here's another small snippet. It's a little sad to see so much hate toward Dorian with Manon, since I find their possible future interactions interesting and even rather amusing.

I hope you enjoyed.

Also, I implore you take the time to review and tell me what you think.

Thank you.