Thalrin quietly entered the queen's private sanctum, a place known as the "Lustrum Aureus" in ancient Veridian tongue, meaning the Golden Chamber of Purification. The room was adorned with intricate mosaics depicting scenes from Veridian mythology, and the air was perfumed with the sweet fragrance of exotic flowers.
As he approached the bathing area, Thalrin could hear the gentle sounds of water trickling and the soft murmur of the maids attending to Queen Elysara. The bathing chamber was a marvel of craftsmanship, with walls of polished marble and a shimmering pool of clear, warm water in the center.
Queen Elysara was reclining in a tub filled with a concoction of milk infused with crushed rose petals and essence of moonlit dew. Her skin glowed with a radiant luminosity, and her eyes sparkled with inner tranquility. A couple of maids, dressed in robes of embroidered silk, were meticulously attending to her, gently washing her hair and massaging fragrant oils into her skin. Thalrin instinctively lowered his gaze, a sign of respect for the queen's modesty.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Thalrin began, his voice respectful and measured. "I did not mean to intrude."
Elysara raised her hand in a graceful gesture, indicating for Thalrin to raise his head.
Thalrin, though uncomfortable with the situation, raised his head slowly, meeting her gaze with a mix of reverence and discomfort. He struggled to maintain his composure in the presence of the queen's nakedness.
"My Queen," Thalrin said, gathering his courage, "I am here at your command. How may I be of service?"
Elysara's smile widened, but there was a hint of seriousness in her tone. "I have a request for you, Thalrin. It is not a mere request, but a demand. I command you to look at me and admire my features, to see the whole of me, and then I will demand an answer from you."
She continued , "If you don't comply, I will kill myself and put the blame on you." As she finished speaking, five maidens materialized from thin air and swiftly locked all the entrances to the sanctum, effectively trapping them inside.
Thalrin's body tensed as he realized the gravity of the situation. The threat of being blamed for such a significant act weighed heavily on him. He looked up at Queen Elysara, his eyes reflecting fear.
Elysara observed Thalrin's reaction with a calm yet commanding demeanor. "You see, Thalrin, the consequences of defiance are severe," she stated firmly. "But fear not, for I have no intention of dying today. Your loyalty and obedience are all that I require."
Thalrin's body was shaking in fear as he looked up at her. Elysara then rose from the water, suds clinging to her luminous skin. As she did, the water in the tub rippled in response to her movement.
A maid appeared from the side, moving with practiced grace, and used a towel of fine silk to gently clean the suds from the queen's body. Queen Elysara stood tall and majestic, her dark hair cascading down her back to her hips. Her hips flared gracefully, and her stomach was flat, a testament to her regal poise and strength. Her breasts were firm and perky, and her skin was without blemish, her features as if drawn by an artist with high, elegant cheekbones and full lips that hinted at a perpetual smile.
She signaled a maid, who swiftly brought a robe and draped it over her. Queen Elysara moved gracefully towards Thalrin, her steps echoing in the sanctum. Thalrin, struggling to maintain his composure, tried to avert his gaze from her chest, focusing on the ground instead.
He lowered his gaze and swore to the skies, "Your grace, You are the most beautiful thing ever."
Elysara chuckled softly, her laughter like the tinkling of delicate chimes. As she did, the room seemed to brighten, her presence filling it with a warm, golden glow. "Thalrin, I possess every worldly thing—beauty, money, power—but I want more. I seek the Tome of Eternity for myself. But it is beyond my powers. I need to read a part of the book to have all my desires fulfilled."