As the carriage approached Steele Mansion, Alaric's heart raced with anticipation. The journey home had been restful and swift, passing in what felt like mere moments.
He watched out the window as the familiar towering walls of the mansion came into view, nestled amid trees dusted with a light layer of winter frost.
Waiting at the entrance were his mother, Lyra, the family maid Kara, the head maid Old Marta, and a few guards, all standing in anticipation to welcome him back.
A genuine smile crept onto Alaric's face as he took in the sight of them.
He might have been far more mature in mind than his young appearance suggested, but the warmth of a familial welcome was something even he couldn't pretend to be indifferent toward.
As he stepped out of the carriage, Lyra was the first to reach him. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around him, enveloping him in a warm, affectionate embrace.
Her curves pressed against him as she held him close, and for a moment, Alaric closed his eyes, allowing himself to enjoy the comforting softness and warmth of his mother's embrace.
There was something deeply reassuring in her touch, as though he'd never truly left home.
"Oh, my little one," Lyra whispered softly, her voice filled with warmth and love, "I missed you so much. The mansion felt so empty without you here. It's as though the whole house loses its light when you're away."
Alaric pressed closer to her, his arms wrapping around her waist. "I missed you too, Mother. I thought of you every day and waited so eagerly for this break just to be home."
They stayed there, holding each other as the winter breeze passed by, Lyra murmuring affectionate words to her son while Alaric whispered back in turn.
After a while, she released him, though her hands remained on his shoulders as she looked at him with a tender smile.
"Come on, let's go inside," she said, taking his hand.
They made their way through the mansion doors, where the cozy warmth and familiar fragrance of the Steele Mansion immediately embraced Alaric. He could feel a newfound energy as he walked through the familiar halls, the bustling staff casting fond glances in his direction.
Lyra led him to the dining hall, where a lavish spread had been prepared. Alaric's eyes widened at the sheer variety of dishes laid out across the long table, each one carefully prepared and garnished.
There were delicacies like Griffon Stew, a hearty dish made with the meat of a powerful griffon that Steele Family guards had hunted in the nearby mountains.
The meat, tender and flavorful, was known for enhancing strength and agility.
Next to it was Salamander Roasted Ribs, charred just right to bring out its natural, spicy flavor, a dish seasoned with Emberthorn, a rare herb that enhanced mana reserves and stamina.
He could also see Serpent Tail Soup, made from a river serpent Lyra herself had slain—a light broth infused with Aetherdew, a delicate herb that enhanced vitality and mental clarity.
A particular delicacy, Wyvern Flank with Starfall Mushrooms, caught his attention.
The wyvern meat had been roasted to perfection, paired with the rare mushrooms that grew only under certain celestial events and were famed for bolstering one's mana flow.
Each dish had been meticulously crafted and seasoned, turning the meal into a feast fit for a hero's return.
Lyra beamed with pride as Alaric took in the table before him. "We spared no expense for your return, my dear. Some of these magical beasts, I personally hunted for this very occasion, and the guards helped with the rest. Eat to your heart's content."
Alaric seated himself and began to enjoy the dishes, savouring each bite. The flavors were both familiar and elevated, the enhancements of magical ingredients giving the food a sense of energy and warmth that seemed to settle into his bones.
Kara and a few other maids watched as he ate, their eyes soft with fondness, especially Kara who stood by with a soft smile on her face. Her gaze was warm and admiring as she watched Alaric savor each bite. She had also helped with preparations for this feast and was happy to see her young master enjoy himself as he ate the feast.
After finishing his meal, Alaric leaned back in his chair, feeling both full and content. He glanced at his mother. "Thank you, Mother. Everything was perfect. But if you don't mind, I'd like to take a bath now. I'll share more about the Academy afterward."
Lyra nodded, smiling. "Of course, dear. Take all the time you need."
Alaric turned to Kara, giving her a small grin. "Kara, could you bring my clothes and towel to the bath?"
Kara caught his grin and nodded, her expression knowing. "Certainly, young master. I'll be there shortly."
With that, Alaric made his way to the bath, feeling the day's fatigue melting away with each step.
His bathroom was situated in a grand hall, designed with a wide, pond-like tub made of polished stone, fed by enchanted water spouts. The air was warm and lightly scented with herbs. Beside it was a shower area, framed with stone tiles that gave the entire bathroom a natural, almost ancient atmosphere.
Once inside, Alaric paused by the entrance, leaning casually against the wall.
He had no intention of hurrying; he knew he wouldn't be alone for long.
As expected, after a couple of minutes, he heard soft footsteps approaching, and Kara entered the room, carrying a fresh towel and clothes for him.
Kara walked up to him and handed him the towel and clothes, her gaze lingering for a moment. "Here you are, young master."
After handing him the towel and clothes, she lingered, not making any move to leave. Alaric allowed his gaze to trail over her, his expression thoughtful as he took in the elegance of her form.
With a quiet confidence, he looked up at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Kara," he said, his voice soft, "why don't you help me wash?"
Kara's eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and desire as she slowly began to remove her outer garment. She took her time, letting the fabric slide off her shoulders and down her arms, revealing the creamy skin beneath.
Alaric watched with rapt attention, his young eyes wide with curiosity and excitement. He had seen Kara in various states of undress before, but never like this - never with such a clear invitation in her gaze.
As her dress pooled at her feet, Kara stood before him in a thin, almost sheer undergarment. The fabric clung to her curves, outlining the fullness of her breasts and the flare of her hips. Alaric's gaze traced the lines of her body, taking in every detail.
Kara reached up, her fingers toying with the straps of her undergarment. With a slow, deliberate motion, she slid them down her shoulders, letting the fabric fall away to reveal her breasts. They were full and round, the nipples already hardening in the cool air of the bathroom.
Alaric's breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight of her. He had seen his mother's breasts before, but Kara's were different - fuller, softer, more inviting. He felt a strange, unfamiliar heat pooling in his belly as he looked at her.
Kara stepped closer to him, her hips swaying with each step. She reached out, her fingers brushing against the front of his shirt. "Let me help you with that, young master," she murmured, her voice low and husky.
Alaric nodded, his throat suddenly dry. Kara's fingers worked quickly, unbuttoning his shirt and pushing it off his shoulders. She let her hands linger on his skin, tracing the lines of his young body.
Next, she knelt down, her hands going to the waistband of his pants. She looked up at him as she undid them, her eyes dark with desire. Alaric lifted his hips, allowing her to slide the pants down his legs. He stepped out of them, standing before her in nothing but his undergarments.
Kara's hands slid up his legs, her fingers brushing against the inside of his thighs. Alaric shivered at the touch, his body responding to her even as his mind struggled to process the new sensations.
With a final tug, Kara removed his undergarments, leaving him completely naked. She took a moment to admire his young body, her gaze lingering on his small, soft penis. Alaric felt a flush of embarrassment, but also a thrill of excitement at being seen so intimately.
Kara stood up, her body pressing against his as she reached for the towel she had brought. She wrapped it around his waist, her hands lingering on his hips. "Let's get you into the bath, young master," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alaric nodded, allowing her to lead him to the large stone tub. He stepped into the warm, fragrant water, sinking down until it reached his chest. Kara followed him in, the water lapping at her breasts as she knelt beside him.
She reached for a sponge, dipping it into the water and squeezing it over his shoulders. The water trickled down his skin, warm and soothing. Kara began to wash him, her hands moving over his body with a gentle, almost reverent touch.
Alaric closed his eyes, savouring the sensation of her hands on his skin. He felt a strange, languid heat spreading through his body, a feeling he had never experienced before. As Kara's hands moved lower, he felt a stirring in his groin, his small penis getting a bit excited.
Kara's hands paused as she felt it, her eyes widening slightly. She looked at Alaric, a question in her gaze. Alaric met her eyes, his own filled with a new, hungry desire. He reached out, his small hand cupping her breast, feeling the soft, warm flesh fill his palm.
Kara gasped, her nipple hardening against his touch. She bit her lip, her body trembling slightly as Alaric's fingers toyed with her nipple. He could feel her heart racing beneath his touch, could see the flush of desire spreading across her skin.
Emboldened by her reaction, Alaric moved closer to her, his hand sliding down her body to cup her other breast. He squeezed gently, feeling the weight of it in his hand. Kara moaned softly, her head falling back as she arched into his touch.
Alaric's other hand slid down her body, his fingers tracing the curve of her hip, the flare of her thigh. He could feel the heat of her skin, the softness of her flesh. His fingers dipped between her legs, brushing against the soft curls there.
Kara's breath hitched, her hips jerking slightly at his touch. Alaric felt a surge of power at her reaction, a thrill at knowing he could make her feel this way. He pressed closer to her, his small body fitting against hers as his fingers explored her most intimate places.
Kara's hands gripped his shoulders tightly as he touched her. She was panting now, her body trembling with need. Alaric could feel her wetness against his fingers, could smell the musky scent of her arousal.
He pressed a finger inside her, feeling her tight, wet heat envelop him. Kara cried out, her hips bucking against his hand. Alaric moved his finger in and out of her, feeling her body clench around him.
Kara's hands slid down his back, her fingers digging into his flesh as she pulled him closer. She could feel his small penis pressing against her thigh, and she wanted nothing more than to take him inside her.
But she knew she couldn't. Alaric was too young, his body not yet ready for such things. She had to be content with his touch, with the pleasure he was giving her.
Alaric continued to touch her, his fingers moving faster, harder, as he felt her body tense and shake. Kara's moans filled the bathroom, echoing off the stone walls as she came undone in his arms.
As her body shuddered with the force of her orgasm, Alaric felt a surge of pride and satisfaction. He had done this to her, had made her feel this way. He knew, in that moment, that he would never forget the sight of her, the feel of her, the sound of her pleasure.
Kara slumped against him, her body spent and sated. Alaric held her close, his young arms wrapped around her as he pressed soft kisses to her neck and shoulder.
They stayed like that for a long time, the water cooling around them as they held each other. Alaric knew that this moment would be forever etched in his memory, a secret shared between him and his maid.
And as he felt Kara's body relax against his, he knew that this was only the beginning. There would be many more moments like this, many more secrets to share. And he couldn't wait.