Axel rose from the sofa with Lila still cradled gently in his arms. Her breathing was soft and even, her head resting against his chest as he moved carefully through the dimly lit room. His muscles, usually tensed for battle or duty, were now relaxed, but his mind was focused on her well-being. He scanned the room, eyes searching for something to make her more comfortable. Spotting a blanket draped over a nearby chair, he swiftly grabbed it, covering her fragile form to protect her from the cool air.
Her petite frame was almost hidden under the folds of the fabric as Axel turned his attention to himself. Realizing he was still exposed, he grabbed a towel, wrapping it loosely around his waist. A small sigh escaped him as he adjusted the blanket over Lila, making sure it was secure before he quietly made his way toward the door.
Despite the hour, Axel's steps were confident but soft, as if he could sense that she needed rest. The halls of the grand palace were mostly silent, save for the faint echoes of his footsteps. As he turned the corner, a servant appeared from the shadows, bowing deeply upon recognizing the Emperor.
"Your Majesty," the servant began, a mix of surprise and concern evident in their voice. "Is there anything you require?"
Axel gave a quick nod, his face as stoic as ever, but his eyes softened as he glanced down at Lila, still peacefully asleep in his arms. "Prepare a bath," he instructed, his voice firm yet quiet. The servant bowed again, quickly scurrying off to fulfill his command.
Without another word, Axel continued his journey to his private chambers, ensuring that Lila was still safely tucked in the blanket, her delicate features barely visible beneath the fabric. Entering his room, he carefully laid her down on the large bed, pausing for a moment to watch her, ensuring she was still sleeping soundly. He could see how exhausted she was, and it stirred something deep within him—an unspoken need to take care of her, to ensure she felt safe in his presence.
The servant returned quickly, announcing that the bath was ready. Axel gave a simple nod of thanks before lifting Lila once again, blanket still draped around her, and carried her toward the adjacent bathroom.
The room was warm, steam rising from the tub that had been filled with heated water. Axel carefully set Lila down on a cushioned bench beside the bath, his hands moving gently as he began to unwrap the blanket. Her skin glowed faintly in the dim light of the room, a reminder of her beauty even in this quiet, intimate moment. He worked with a tenderness not often seen from him, carefully making sure she was comfortable.
Once the blanket was removed, Axel lifted her once more, lowering her into the warm water with deliberate care. He could feel her stir slightly, but she remained mostly asleep, her body instinctively relaxing into the soothing bath. Axel grabbed a small cloth and dipped it into the water, rinsing her gently, his hands moving with a slow precision.
He rinsed the fatigue from her skin, allowing the warmth of the water to soothe her as he continued to care for her silently. The entire time, Axel felt the weight of his emotions, but he kept them in check. This wasn't just about desire—it was about protecting someone who had become far more important to him than he had anticipated.
The water rippled softly as Axel worked, his gaze never leaving Lila's face as he gently bathed her. When he was finished, lifting her from the water with ease, he wrapped her once again in the blanket, securing her warmth. His strong arms held her tightly against him as he carried her back to the bedroom, where he placed her carefully on the bed once more.
His thoughts raced as he watched her sleep, her peaceful expression a stark contrast to the chaos that often surrounded their lives. For tonight, at least, Axel could ensure she rested, cared for in the quietest, most intimate way. With a final glance at her, he sat beside her, his hand brushing her damp hair back, content to watch over her until morning.
Axel sat quietly by the bed, his gaze fixed on Lila as she slept peacefully. The soft rise and fall of her chest was a calming rhythm, and he found himself mesmerized by how serene she looked in this rare moment of vulnerability. Her hair, still damp from the bath, had begun to dry in soft waves around her face. He reached out, gently brushing a few strands away from her forehead. She shifted slightly, but didn't wake.
Satisfied that she was comfortable, Axel rose from the edge of the bed and stepped toward the door. He signaled for a servant, who promptly appeared, bowing deeply at the sight of him.
"I need clothes," Axel said, his tone firm yet casual. His eyes briefly flicked back to Lila resting on the bed, making sure she was still covered by the blanket.
The servant, unaware of who was in Axel's chambers, nodded quickly, clearly assuming it was another of the palace's frequent guests. "Of course, Your Majesty. Shall I bring something for the lady as well?" the servant asked cautiously, keeping their head bowed. It was clear they didn't recognize Lila under the blanket, thinking she was a random woman the Emperor had brought to his quarters.
Axel's eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained unreadable. "Yes. Bring something suitable. And be quick about it," he commanded, not bothering to correct the servant's assumption. He had no interest in explaining anything about Lila to anyone, especially not now.
The servant rushed off to gather the requested garments, leaving Axel in the quiet of the room once again. He sighed softly, turning back to look at Lila. She seemed so fragile, so much smaller in this moment compared to her usual regal, commanding presence. It struck him how different she looked in sleep—gone was the mask of control and authority. Here, she was simply Lila, someone who had let down her guard, even if only for a little while.
Minutes later, the servant returned, carrying a neatly folded set of clothes. Axel took them without a word, dismissing the servant with a wave of his hand. He unfolded the garments and inspected them briefly before laying them carefully on the side of the bed.
Still standing over her, Axel took in the sight of Lila once more. The weight of the evening's events hung in the air, but for now, there was a strange sense of calm between them. He couldn't quite put into words the way he felt in this moment—protective, perhaps, but also something deeper, more personal. He hadn't expected things to unfold this way, and yet, here they were.
He moved to the side of the room, dressing himself with quiet efficiency before turning his attention back to Lila. Though she was still sound asleep, Axel knew it wouldn't be long before she would wake. And when she did, she would find herself dressed and tended to with the same care he had shown all night.
As he sat back down beside her, his mind wandered to what the next steps would be. Their relationship was complicated, tangled with duty, power, and desire. But in this quiet moment, as he watched her breathe softly in her sleep, all of those complexities faded into the background. For now, it was just them.