When her lessons was over, Elysia returned to the room to freshen up and take a nap, which lasted longer than she had expected. She woke up to the sound of water dripping from somewhere in the room.
She opened her eyes and tilted her head to the side of the room. It was then she noticed Azrael was there. He was dressed only in his trousers, water dripping from his hair.
It seemed as though she hadn't seen the King in months, even though it had only been a few days. Dare she say it, but she did miss having his presence around her.
"Your Majesty!" she called out, pushing her hair away from her face.
Azreal turned to look at her, a sinister smirk playing on his perfect lips. "Did I wake you?" His deep voice echoed off the walls, sending a delightful shiver down her spine.
Elysia shivered. She did actually miss him quite a lot. "Not at all, Your Majesty. It appears that I have overslept." She returned his smile.
"I am glad you're awake. I need you to cut my hair; it has grown longer and is getting into my eyes," Azreal said, moving to sit in a tall-backed chair. His usual imposing figure seemed more relaxed than usual.
Elysia climbed down from the bed and picked up a pair of scissors from the dresser. The room was quiet, with only the occasional crackling of the fire in the hearth.
Elysia stood behind the king, her fingers brushing against his dark hair as she prepared to trim it. It was an unexpected task, one she had not anticipated.
His head was slightly tilted, allowing her better access to his hair, though he remained stoically silent, as he often did. Elysia's heart raced, her fingers trembling slightly as she lifted the small pair of scissors.
"Have you done this before?" Azrael's voice broke the silence, deep and commanding as always.
Elysia hesitated for a moment, biting her lower lip. "Yes, a long time. But, I believe I can still manage."
Azrael let out a low hum, "Try not to cut me then."
Elysia let out a quiet breath and began to work. She carefully trimmed the ends of his hair, her fingers brushing against the nape of his neck as she adjusted the strands.
"Your hair has grown quite long." She remarked softly, trying to break the silence and ease her own nerves.
"I know, I mentioned that earlier." Azrael replied calmly. "I would have attended to it, but I've been quite busy." He tilted his head slightly, giving her better access to his hair.
Elysia nodded, though he couldn't see her. "And you trust me to do this? Surely you have someone more skilled for such tasks."
Azrael's lips stretched into a smile. "I trust very few people, Elysia. You have proven yourself trustworthy."
Elysia's heart skipped a beat at his words. The King was not one to offer compliments easily, and earning his trust felt surreal.
As she worked, the silence between them grew comfortable. She found herself enjoying this quiet moment.
"Do you ever think of leaving?" Azrael asked suddenly, his tone casual but had an edge to it.
Elysia's hands froze for a moment, her heart skipping a beat. "Leaving?" she repeated, unsure of what he meant.
"Yes," Azrael said, his voice thoughtful. "The palace, this life. Do you ever dream of something more?"
Elysia was quiet for a moment, considering his words. Her heart was pounding in her chest, she was scared that perhaps the King had listened to her conversation with the governess. She needed to tread carefully.
"I do not know if I have that choice." She answered softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But, I have never thought of it, Your Majesty, you have been very kind to me."
"Leaving? I would hope you don't consider it. This palace is your home now, Elysia. You belong here with me, and I won't tolerate any thoughts of escape." His voice was smooth, holding passiveness.
Elysia continued cutting his hair, the weight of his words sinking into her. She didn't fully understand why he was saying these things to her now, she was confused.
"Thank you for your advice, Your Majesty," Elysia replied, a small smile forming on her face.
Azrael chuckled softly, a rare sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "I do not think it was an advice, Elysia, but take it as you wish."
Elysia didn't respond immediately, focusing instead on the last few strands of hair she needed to trim. "Did you ever regret anything?" She asked, changing the direction of the conversation.
There was silence for a moment, as if the King was lost in deep thoughts. He released a tired sigh before speaking. "There are a few things I wish I had done differently, but to rule a kingdom like Valeria, hard choices must be made, even when they do not please you."
"I think you have done well with Valeria considering..." She paused, continuing almost immediately, "The kingdom is prosperous, and your people respect you."
Azrael grew silent, and she wondered if she had overstepped. But then he spoke, his voice low. "Respect is one thing. Fear is another."
Elysia carefully put down the scissors, her task finished. She stepped back slightly, admiring her work. His hair was now neatly trimmed.
"All done." She said, her voice low.
Azrael stood, turning to face her. His gaze was intense, as it always was, but there was something else there too, something softer that made her clench her thighs together. He studied her for a moment, and Elysia felt her cheeks flush under his scrutiny.
"You have done well." His dark voice lowered.
Elysia bowed her head slightly. "It was my pleasure, Your Majesty."
Azrael nodded, but he did not move to leave. Instead, he stepped closer, his gaze never leaving hers. "I like it when you are flustered." He said softly, his voice low.
Elysia blush deepened, her heart beating wildly as she stared into his eyes. The golden flicks of his orbs making his look more intimidating and alluring. His eyes flickered to her lips then back to her eyes, his jaw clenched. "You can go to bed, I will be back." He whispered, his voice sending shivers down her spine. As he turned to leave the room, Elysia stood frozen in place, her mind swirling with emotions.