"No, he's a sweet man. He wants you to be well. I just hope he doesn't end up making poison instead," Salviana teased, a twinkle in her eye.
Jean huffed a laugh. "Lucius wouldn't poison his savior."
"Come now, you must be exhausted standing here," Salviana said, gently guiding Jean back into the bedroom.
"Thank you," Jean said earnestly, allowing herself to lean on Salviana as they moved.
The room was brighter than the rest of the quarters, sunlight filtering through sheer curtains and illuminating the modest but tidy space.
"I brought the maids to help you," Salviana said, gesturing to the three young women who stood by the doorway.
Jean's gaze flicked toward them, her expression softening. "Thank you so much, Salviana. You're too kind to me," she said, her eyes growing misty.
"You're my friend," Salviana replied, frowning slightly, as though Jean's gratitude was unnecessary.
Jean smiled warmly, her attention shifting to the maids, who were already bustling about, preparing a bath. "Does it always feel like this?" she asked, her voice low and uncertain.
Salviana tilted her head, catching the hint of vulnerability in Jean's tone. "The feeding?" she asked gently.
Jean nodded, hesitating before speaking. "Yes. Do you always feel this weak afterward?"
"Well," Salviana said, a blush rising to her cheeks, "it's actually… a rather pleasurable process for me."
"Pleasurable?" Jean's voice rose in shock. "I felt nothing but terror."
Salviana smiled sympathetically. "That was your first time. And remember, Lucius had been… well, dead for decades. He wasn't himself."
Jean bit her lip, mulling over Salviana's words. "So it doesn't hurt?"
"There's a little sting at first," Salviana admitted, "but after that… it's all pleasure. I do feel a bit light afterward, but it passes quickly, usually after some rest."
Before Jean could respond, one of the maids approached them with a slight bow. "Miss Goliath, the bath is ready."
"Thank you," Jean said, her voice steadier now as she stood up.
Salviana watched her walk toward the bathroom, a small smile playing on her lips. Jean paused at the doorway, glancing back at Salviana with a newfound softness in her eyes.
For the first time in a long while, Jean felt the comfort of friendship.
Unbeknownst to them, Lucius, still in the kitchen, had overheard their conversation. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he resumed his work.
His respect for Princess Salviana deepened. She had not only cared for Jean but had also given her the gift of companionship.
The maids worked diligently, their movements efficient yet careful, as they helped Jean bathe and prepare for the day.
Their chatter was soft, respectful, and full of concern for her well-being.
Once finished, they wrapped her in a clean gown and brushed out her damp hair, securing it loosely at her shoulders.
When Jean finally stepped out of the bathroom, the maids bowed and took their places at the corner of the room, awaiting further instructions.
Lucius turned to her with an easy smile, his sharp features softening. "You look as beautiful as you did yesterday, Pumpkin," he said casually, his deep voice carrying a warmth that belied his otherwise cold demeanour.
She glared at him, "Doesn't that mean I'm ugly?"
"Lord no, pumpkin you can never be ugly"
"But I was ugly yesterday, this morning! Until just now," she hissed and resumed her steps.
"No, no you were not ugly, you were pretty but sick, you were cold, you were tired but you were not ugly" Lucius said.
"You look prettier than yesterday," Lucius added quickly.
Jean paused mid-step, her cheeks flushing at the unexpected compliment. "Thank you," she murmured, glancing away quickly.
"Come, eat." Lucius gestured to the small table he had set with bowls of steaming soup, plates of colorful vegetables, and a jug of water.
His movements were graceful yet unhurried, as though he had all the time in the world.
Jean hesitated. The food looked wholesome, but her stomach churned at the thought of eating. Suddenly she wasn't weak from hunger, she simply wanted sleep.
"I'm not very hungry," she admitted softly, her voice almost apologetic.
Lucius raised an eyebrow, not missing the slight tremor in her hands as she took a seat. He sat beside her, his presence both commanding and oddly comforting.
"You've barely eaten, Pumpkin. You need to regain your strength," he said, his tone gentle but firm.
Jean fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve, her gaze dropping to the bowl in front of her. "I'll try," she whispered, though her hands remained in her lap.
"She should eat what I brought too," Salviana said quickly.
Lucius raised a finger, "That would only happen if she finishes mine,"
"But that's impossible," Salviana gasped
Lucius sighed damatically, picking up a spoon and scooping some soup. "Here," he said, holding it up to her lips. "Let me help."
Jean's eyes widened slightly. "I can manage," she protested weakly, but when her trembling fingers betrayed her again, she relented, leaning forward to take a small sip.
The warmth of the soup spread through her, soothing and oddly satisfying. Lucius smiled faintly, his golden eyes gleaming with approval. "Good," he said. "See? Not so bad."
As he continued to feed her, his free hand reached up to gently tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His touch was light, almost absentminded, yet it sent a shiver down her spine.
Lucius paused, his gaze sharpening. "Are you cold?" he asked, concern lacing his voice. He moved as if to close the window, but one of the maids quickly interjected.
"Lucius, please don't," Salviana blurted out nervously. "It's already so dark in here… and hot."
Lucius stopped, his head tilting slightly as he considered the room. The windows were shut, their heavy curtains drawn to protect him from the sunlight.
The air was thick and warm, a far cry from the cool breeze outside. He glanced back at Jean, who was avoiding his gaze, her cheeks flushed.
"Ah," he said, a note of understanding in his tone. "I see."