Chapter 4: A Gentle Morning

Aeryn stirred awake, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. His body ached in ways it hadn't before, a dull soreness spreading across his hips and thighs. But it wasn't unpleasant. In fact, as he stretched under the heavy covers, a small smile tugged at his lips. He hadenjoyed it.

He turned his head, finding Eirik still beside him, watching him with a soft expression. The older man chuckled quietly, brushing a stray strand of hair from Aeryn's flushed face. "You're sore, aren't you?"

Aeryn blushed, biting his lip. "A little," he admitted shyly, his voice barely above a whisper. Then, after a brief hesitation, he added, "But I… I liked it."

Eirik's eyes sparkled with amusement at Aeryn's confession. He leaned down, pressing a soft, almost shy kiss to the younger prince's lips, causing Aeryn to chuckle, despite his embarrassment. "It's funny," Aeryn mused, still smiling against Eirik's lips. "You weren't shy last night, with the things you did to me."

Eirik pulled back, a deep flush coloring his own cheeks now. "I suppose not," he muttered, his grin widening. He rubbed the back of his neck, looking unusually bashful. "But still, I should've been gentler."

Aeryn shook his head, his smile soft. "You were… it was good," he said, his voice quiet but sincere.

Eirik kissed him again, this time a little longer, a little deeper, before pulling back with a sigh. "I'm afraid I have to leave this morning," he said, his tone filled with regret. "There's a small conflict brewing at the border that needs my attention."

Aeryn's face fell slightly, but he quickly hid it, sitting up in bed and clutching the blankets around himself. Eirik leaned over, his lips brushing Aeryn's hand, placing a soft, reverent kiss on his upturned palm. The gesture was gentle and affectionate, and Aeryn's cheeks turned a deep crimson.

As Eirik stood and made his way to the door, Aeryn blurted out, "Be safe!"

Eirik froze, turning back to look at him, surprised by the sudden tenderness in his young husband's voice. His gaze softened as he took in the sight of Aeryn, wrapped up in the bed sheets, looking like a fragile doll. *A well-used doll, Eirik thought to himself with an amused smile. But his expression remained kind, his voice gentle as he said, "Thank you. I promise I'll be back by midnight."

Aeryn nodded, biting his lip again, and Eirik chuckled softly before turning and leaving the room.

The door clicked shut, and Aeryn let out a contented sigh, flopping onto his back, staring up at the ceiling with a small smile on his lips. He had never expected Eirik to be so tender, so affectionate. But now that he had experienced it, it left him feeling warm and lighthearted. Still, the thought of his husband riding into danger unsettled him. He didn't like the idea of Eirik being hurt, but he pushed the thoughts aside as the door creaked open again.

"Good morning, young master," came a bright voice from the doorway. It was Lena, one of the house maids, with Mila trailing just behind her, both women carrying bundles of fresh towels. "We've drawn you a bath at the bathhouse."

Aeryn turned his head, blinking sleepily at them. "Good morning," he murmured, before making a small effort to rise. As soon as his feet hit the floor, however, his legs wobbled beneath him, the soreness far more pronounced than he had anticipated. He stumbled, nearly toppling over.

Lena was quick to catch him, her strong arms steadying him. A knowing smile tugged at the corner of her lips, though she said nothing. It was Mila who broke the silence, giggling softly. "Careful, my lord," she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "It seems your husband was rather… enthusiastic last night."

Aeryn's cheeks burned, and he rolled his eyes playfully, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Yes, well, I didn't realize I'd be so sore this morning," he muttered.

"Come on now, let's get you to the baths," Lena said, her tone gentle but firm as she looped her arm around Aeryn's waist. Mila gathered up the towels, following closely behind as they guided him down the corridor.

Despite the soreness in his body, Aeryn couldn't help but feel at ease with the two maids. They were chatty and playful, bantering lightly as they helped him down the hallway.

"Perhaps we should prepare the baths with extra salts today," Lena teased, winking at Aeryn as they approached the bathhouse.

"Oh yes," Mila added, grinning. "Something to soothe those… aches."

Aeryn groaned, though he couldn't help but smile. "You're both impossible," he said, though there was no malice in his words.

"Of course, young master," Lena said with a laugh, guiding him to the bathhouse door. "But someone has to keep you from taking life too seriously."

Aeryn let out a breath, the scent of lavender and eucalyptus filling the air as they entered the steamy bathhouse. The warmth enveloped him, and despite his initial embarrassment, he felt a deep sense of comfort as he let the maids guide him towards the waiting bath.

As Lena and Mila helped him into the warm water, the tension in his muscles began to melt away, the heat soothing his sore body. The maids chattered softly among themselves, occasionally tossing a playful comment in Aeryn's direction, which only made him roll his eyes again. But deep down, he was grateful for their light-heartedness.

As the bath water lapped around him, Aeryn's thoughts wandered back to Eirik. He hoped the conflict at the border was nothing serious, and that his husband would return safely, just as he had promised. With a small sigh, he closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the bath and the gentle banter of the maids wash over him, content in the knowledge that, for now, he was exactly where he was meant to be.