Dorian and Lillian arrived at Dorian's estate, though "estate" seemed too modest a term for the grandeur that unfolded before them.
The expansive grounds sprawled out magnificently, adorned with a profusion of trees, flowers, and meticulously designed landscapes. In the heart of it all stood a grand fountain, its waters cascading gracefully and reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling display.
Lillian couldn't help but gaze around in awe. Tywin's estate was considerable, but this was on an entirely different scale. The meticulous arrangement of trees, the vibrant colors of the flowers, everything contributed to an atmosphere of breathtaking beauty.
As she admired the surroundings, Lillian's attention was drawn to the family sigil, prominently displayed on the wall—a Dragon. The connection struck her profoundly, as Julian often addressed Dorian as "Dragon."
Her thoughts briefly wandered to Julian, and she couldn't shake the concern about his well-being.
"Brother!" a sudden voice called, breaking her reverie. Lillian turned towards the entrance of the house.
A woman, dressed in a stunning royal blue gown, gracefully approached them, a warm smile lighting up her face. Her dark brown hair, reminiscent of Dorian's, cascaded down neatly, exuding elegance. Her radiant smile enhanced her beauty, making her utterly captivating.
Dorian's face lit up with a genuine smile as he opened his arms, embracing the woman who approached him.
"You know, I never thought that I'd miss you, but I did, terribly. You weren't supposed to stay long. What happened?" she inquired, her eyes reflecting a blend of concern and joy.
"It's a long story. I'll share it with you at dinner," Dorian replied calmly, holding his sister a moment longer. He had missed her, though admitting it wasn't in his nature. He wouldn't hear the end of it if he did.
Finally letting go, Dorian made his way towards the entrance, leaving Lillian and his sister in conversation.
"You must be Lillian. I am Selena. And the rumors were correct. You are indeed a goddess," Selena said to Lillian, her smile unwavering.
Lillian returned the smile but remained silent.
"Come, you must be tired from your long journey," Selena suggested kindly, linking her arm with Lillian's as they walked into the house. "I know I would be. I can't imagine riding for hours with my brother and not strangling him," she joked.
Lillian couldn't help but laugh, finding the humor in the remark all too relatable. "You have no idea," she replied to Selena. There was a warmth about Selena that resonated well with Lillian, a stark contrast to Dorian's cold demeanor.
Selena's laughter filled the air, and she warmly expressed, "I already like you." Her demeanor radiated genuine friendliness. "Now, you must soak in a warm bath and calm your strained muscles before dinner. Mary and Yalve will attend to all your needs," Selena announced, acknowledging two maids who politely bowed at Lillian.
"If you need anything at all, all you have to do is ask. Please be comfortable and free. You are welcomed here," Selena continued, her warmth extending to Lillian.
Lillian smiled softly, pleasantly surprised by the unexpected hospitality. "Thank you," she expressed to Selena, who responded with a genuine smile. The maids gestured for Lillian to follow them, and she did so willingly.
As they strolled through the opulent and expansive corridors, Lillian couldn't help but notice the family portraits adorning the walls.
However, the paintings on the walls also featured Dragons, a peculiar detail that caught Lillian off guard. The Dragons weren't just in the paintings; intricate designs adorned the corridor halls and doors, while small Dragon statues were strategically placed throughout. It became evident that the family had a profound appreciation for these mythical creatures.
Finally arriving at a grand door, the maids opened it, revealing a room that took Lillian's breath away. The space was magnificent, with a balcony leading directly to the lush gardens outside. The room exuded elegance and comfort, a perfect blend of luxury and nature.
"The bath is ready, my lady," Mary, one of the handmaidens, spoke, her head bowed in respect.
"Oh, I'm not a lady. You can address me by my name. Lillian," Lillian said, feeling a bit uncomfortable when addressed with a title she hadn't earned.
"We could never do that," Yalve, the other handmaiden, replied.
"How about Miss? That doesn't sound so bad," Lillian suggested, and they agreed.
Lillian gracefully entered the bathroom, shedding the oversized beige gown that belonged to Mrs. Weatherbee. Her hair cascaded down as she untied the bun, and she slowly stepped into the warm, inviting water infused with a soothing vanilla scent.
The embrace of the bath was pure bliss, and as she closed her eyes, Lillian relished in the tranquility of the moment. The warmth of the water and the delicate fragrance enveloped her, providing a moment of respite from the challenges she had faced on her journey.
Mary and Yalve began assisting her with utmost care. Mary delicately scrubbed Lillian's body, her movements gentle as if handling the most fragile of porcelain. Never before had they attended to a woman who radiated such flawless beauty.
In awe from the moment they first laid eyes on her, Mary and Yalve continued their duties with a sense of control befitting servants. Their task was to serve, and they did so with a dedicated professionalism.
Mary, as she gently scrubbed Lillian's body, marveled at the delicate porcelain skin before her. Fearful of causing any harm, her scrubs became progressively lighter, a testament to the caution she took in attending to Lillian.
Meanwhile, Yalve focused on Lillian's hair, noticing its luscious, silky texture. With each stroke, she marveled at the smoothness that graced her fingers, a testament to the quality of Lillian's hair.
Attending to Lillian proved to be an exceptionally daunting task. Her beauty was so captivating that one could almost believe a slight mistake might mar something as exquisite as her form.
Meanwhile, Lillian, blissfully unaware of Yalve and Mary's predicament, sat with closed eyes in the tub, reflecting on how her life had transformed within the span of a few days. While she wished for happiness, an eerie feeling lingered within her, accompanied by a myriad of unanswered questions.
Julian had assured her that all her questions would find answers upon reaching Pyralon. Yet, in his absence, uncertainty clouded her thoughts.
Where was he anyway? Was he safe? The cascade of questions flooded her mind, leaving a sense of unease in the tranquil atmosphere of the bath.