"It's hilarious, especially since I've known him for more than two years now," explained Mavislin, as she switched back to her little dragon form.
"Why are you back in that form?" questioned the Viceroy, grabbing his shower robe.
"It's easier to wash myself this way… I'm heading in the bath now-"
The servants around the Viceroy's chambers were in for another loud shock when Zenos decided it was a good idea to yank the poor dragoness' little tail. Her screech was loud enough to make sure the staff of the palace practiced social distancing.
Though Mavislin was initially irked by the blonde's antics, she found her irritation melting away as she watched him genuinely laugh at her outburst.
His laughter, coupled with his earnest attempts to lecture her, softened her demeanor, making it difficult for her to stay upset.
"At least tell me why you did that…"
"To elicit a reaction from you. And I am completely satisfied with the outcome. However, I did want something else. A small favor, if you will be so kind as to indulge with me," smirked Zenos, gently stroking the tiny creature's spine.
Mavislin shivered in response, leaning into the Viceroy's warm touch.
"I would be kind enough to do so if you are to continue to rub my back like that… I never thought a warmonger's finger would be this pleasurable," replied the relaxed dragoness.
"Then I shall require your presence for a bath. Your current form is acceptable for the moment, but do not think that will suffice after our dual missions. An improvement is expected, and resistance is futile—you have willingly ensnared yourself with me."
Mavislin blinked several times in bewilderment before letting out a resigned sigh. With a flutter of her wings, she soared to the Viceroy's head and perched there momentarily.
Zenos, unfazed, continued his preparations for a soothing bath, clearly intent on unwinding after a long day.
As the bath began to fill with steaming water, the dragoness couldn't contain her excitement. With a playful leap, she dove from the Viceroy's head straight into the warm bath, sending a cascade of droplets into the air.
She glanced back to gauge his reaction, but Zenos remained impassive. His expression was as serene and unreadable as ever, showing no sign of annoyance or irritation.
It was clear that her antics elicited no visible response from him—no hint of amusement or displeasure. How dreadfully dull. Dull enough for the little female dragon to start blowing bubbles beneath the bathwater's surface.
"What's troubling you? I thought my offer was quite modest," questioned the Viceroy as he watched Mavislin's pouting eyes.
"I thought you'd react to me splashing about or even scolding me for doing so... Usually the bunny does reprimand me about it," whispered the little dragoness as she wiggled her tail freely in the warm water.
"Forgive me then, as such emotions are alien to me. However, your statement does imply that you and the bunny bathe together, is it on the regular?"
The small creature froze, her cheeks warming with an unexpected flush. Mavislin had always seen Matt as an older brother, so bathing together had never bothered her.
But now, with the Viceroy in the water beside her, the situation felt entirely different. The little dragoness averted her gaze, attempting to swim away from Zenos with a mix of embarrassment and urgency.
"Please do answer me or else you'd know the consequence," boomed the Viceroy as he sat up from his slouched position.
With the fresh pain of him yanking her tail still fresh in her mind, Mavislin chose the right choice to reply to the curious Zenos.
"Yes, I do regularly bathe with him... Why do you care?"
"I don't, I was just curious as that rabbit doesn't strike me as liking the opposite gender."
Mavislin remained silent as she turned and approached Zenos, catching him off guard. She allowed herself a moment to study his bare physique, the light scars from previous battles shimmering beneath the water's surface.
With each lingering glance, her heart pounded faster, her feelings becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
"Like what you see?" smirked the Viceroy, as he rested his chin on his hand.
The dragoness found herself struggling to untangle her jumbled thoughts. She wanted to look away from Zenos, yet felt an undeniable urge to draw closer.
Is this what Mattheos warned me about? she wondered, her heart wrestling with the confusing emotions of developing feelings for someone.
"I will not confirm nor deny that your physique is indeed to my liking... It's great for a role as a tank or in your case, a Viceroy. And I'm pretty sure having such bulk can do wonders on the battlefield."
"But it's not what I seek for in your case," mumbled the shy dragoness, slightly afraid of what the Viceroy might think of her.