Chapter 17: Intimate Waters I
Aeryn stood in the grand dining hall after dinner, feeling satisfied and at peace. He had instructed the maid to dry some of the lavender by the fires during the night and to deliver it to Guren, the estate's physician, in the morning. Additionally, he asked her to keep the lavender plants with the roots intact in a vase of water and save the remaining flowers in a safe place for him to use later. Eirik, curious, had asked, "Why not give all of them to the physician?"
Aeryn smiled softly, his fingers idly brushing against the edge of the table. "I love the lavender scent. I thought I could try my hand at making my own oils from them. It's... calming."
Eirik nodded, understanding the subtle joy his husband found in such simple things. They finished their meal in comfortable silence, Eirik recounting tales of his family, his childhood in the northern lands, and asking Aeryn about his past as a healer. The conversation flowed naturally, with laughter and gentle smiles exchanged over the warm meal. After dinner, they enjoyed some tea before heading upstairs to retire for the night.
As they reached the corridor leading to their chambers, a maid approached, bowing politely before informing them, "My lords, we've drawn separate baths for you both. However, one of the bath heaters has malfunctioned. I regret to inform you that one of you will have to wait until the bath can be reheated."
Eirik waved off her concern with a smile. "That's no trouble. Aeryn, you can go first. I'll take my bath once you've finished."
With that, Eirik turned, prepared to head for his study, but Aeryn remained where he was, twisting the hem of his tunic between his fingers. His heart pounded in his chest, a mix of nervousness and anticipation building within him. He bit his lip, unsure of what to say. His eyes darted to the maids, wishing they weren't there to witness his fumbling thoughts.
Just as Eirik was about to disappear down the hallway, Aeryn found his voice. "Eirik!" he called out, his voice louder than he intended.
Eirik paused and turned back, one eyebrow cocked curiously. "Yes?"
Aeryn flushed deeply, struggling to meet his husband's gaze. "I… um… the bath," he stammered, his throat tightening as he struggled to find the right words. His gaze shifted to the maids again, wishing they would vanish. "I thought maybe… well… we could, um, share it? If you'd like, my lord…" The words spilled out in a rushed blur as his face burned with embarrassment, his legs trembling slightly under the weight of his own suggestion.
For a brief, agonizing moment, Aeryn felt as though the world had stopped. Eirik's silence, paired with his unreadable expression, made Aeryn want to sink into the floor. His heart raced, and he silently cursed himself for saying something so bold.
Then, unexpectedly, a grin broke across Eirik's face. "If you would have me, I'd be delighted, my prince."
Aeryn's breath caught, his heart skipping a beat. Eirik strode back toward him with a warmth in his eyes, taking Aeryn's hand in his own and placing a gentle kiss on it. Aeryn blushed furiously, still in disbelief at his own words and Eirik's response. Together, they turned toward the baths, Aeryn's pulse racing with every step.
As they approached the bathing room, Eirik suddenly stopped, turning toward the maids. "You're dismissed for the night," he said in a low, commanding tone. The maids curtsied quickly before departing.
Once they were alone, Eirik leaned closer to Aeryn, his voice rough with teasing affection. "With the two of us," he murmured, "we won't need anyone's help. You can help bathe me, and I can make sure you're thoroughly cleaned... inside and out."
Aeryn's heart fluttered wildly at the words, not out of fear but with a mounting sense of excitement. His breath hitched as anticipation overwhelmed him, every nerve in his body buzzing as they moved toward the baths together, the heat from the water a mere reflection of the fire igniting between them.
