The morning dawned, light filtering softly through silken curtains as a knock sounded on the door.
"Good morning, my lord," came a gentle voice through the wood. "We have prepared a bath and fresh clothes for you. The princess will be awaiting you in the dining hall for breakfast, once you have cleansed yourself."
That's right — Alexandru was in the Elven kingdom of Darnussus. He had almost forgotten. The soft bed had truly put him at ease. As much as the kingdom's magic unsettled him, the place was comforting. It felt alive — familiar, even. Like he could feel his mother here.
He had already been awake seconds before the knock. Easily roused by nature, he found it pleasant to have someone greet him at the right time. Though, he did wonder how they knew his sleeping schedule; being part nocturnal, it wasn't exactly a simple thing to predict.
Alex changed out of his armor, pulling from his satchel a brown shirt and long-legged pants laced with leather. When he exited his room, the maid stood waiting. His scars caught the morning light, tracing the lines of an already fit and toned form.
"A bath?" he asked, a teasing grin curving his lips. "Could you please direct me to it? I still have yet to be given a proper tour of the kingdom." His tone carried a little playfulness — a test, perhaps, to see whether the maid would react with disgust or attraction.
She didn't waver. Professional, steady, and poised — though the gold wedding band on her finger perhaps explained her composure. She bowed politely. "Of course, my lord. The princess will give you a tour after breakfast. Please, follow me to your bath."
She led him down a long hallway toward a door decorated with yellow gemstones. When she opened it, the scent of warm steam and sweet herbs drifted out. Inside was a massive hot spring — a full bathhouse carved into the living heart of the tree itself. Massage tables lined the walls, with a sauna tucked behind a veil of mist and a potion section filled with elven vanity concoctions for soothing burns, smoothing skin, or changing one's appearance in a moment.
"Would you like someone to wash you, my lord?" she asked softly, her eyes lifting to his. There was no mockery, no coyness — only the tone of someone who already saw him as royalty.
Alexandru followed her inside, his gaze gliding over the stonework and the flicker of golden runes that kept the water hot. A faint scoff escaped him. He had never imagined something so indulgent existed within the roots of the Elven tree.
Her question lingered in the air. He smirked faintly and replied, "Tempting, but I don't think I'd have enough self-control for something as promiscuous as that. Just be sure to have a towel and a pair of pants ready for me, so I can wear something."
She bowed and slipped out, closing the door behind her. The air shifted, carrying the scent of lavender and honey. Rose petals floated on the surface of the steaming water, glimmering faintly in the light. At the edge of the spring sat a silver goblet filled with fresh blood beside a full wine bottle — a thoughtful touch from the princess herself.
It was almost too much. He only wanted to wash. Water, after all, could still harm him if he stayed submerged for long. Yet, he stepped into the spring. His skin hissed faintly at first, then adjusted. He scrubbed quickly and firmly, washing every trace of yesterday from his body.
After five minutes, he stepped out, his skin reddened from the heat and looking mildly burnt — an allergic reaction to water that even time couldn't cure. He toweled himself dry, focusing first on his hair. Once free of moisture, it turned soft and curly, forming an unkempt halo of waves around his head.
On a small table lay a pair of silk black pants. He smirked to himself as he slipped them on. "Huh. Guessed my waistline perfectly," he murmured. Maybe she'd been watching closer than he thought.
When he arrived at the dining hall, he was still shirtless. Leilania smiled faintly at the sound of his approaching steps.
"Good early, early morning, Leilania," Alexandru greeted with quiet warmth. "I do hope my sleeping schedule had not ruined yours."
The princess was in the midst of lifting a strawberry to her lips, her other hand tracing the raised dots of a braille book. She gave a soft wave.
"Ah, good morning, my lord. No, not at all. I wake very early anyway. I've been troubled with nightmares since the coma. More time to read," she said, gesturing lightly toward her book. Then, she set the strawberry down with a small blush. "And… as of yesterday's news, I have arranged to follow through with my father's wishes and further aid our chance at peace. Though, there is much to discuss on that topic. Of course, when you are ready." She lifted the strawberry again and took a bite.
Alex froze, her words catching him entirely off guard. So sudden, so direct — marriage.
He approached, sitting beside her. "Please. Have you really considered this? Just because your father wished upon this does not mean it's predestined for you. I am more than willing to forever support you and your kingdom, but are you sure that's what you want?"
He sighed softly, taking her hand in his. Her skin was warm, delicate — a contrast to his cold touch. His gaze lingered on the fruit before them. He wished he could eat it, just to share in something so simple with her, but his body would reject it instantly.
Leilania nodded, her fingers tightening around his.
"Last night I was willing to give my life for your happiness… Isn't marriage done the same way? Also, you believe in me. The feelings I feel… I've never felt them before. I cannot describe it. I am willing to marry you, my lord… I will be your queen, if you will have me," she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion.
Alex gave a faint smile. "I told you to refer to me as Alex, princess," he teased lightly, his thumb brushing over her hand. "I... I don't know if this is what I want. I want you and us to be happy, but if there's love between us, I'd rather discover it than enforce it."
He let go of her hand, exhaling deeply. "So what do we do first after breakfast?"
Her face and ears flushed pink. "Ah! I was thinking — tour the kingdom and castle. And perhaps then, we delve into the archives for more of the information you seek. Or discuss the blood make-up you need for your experiments and such, my lo— Alex…"
He chuckled, the sound low and warm. "Well first, I should get dressed before anything else. I'll meet back with you here in five minutes."
With that, he turned and strode from the room, leaving her speechless and blushing at the realization that he had been nearly nude the entire time. She hiccupped softly, her voice catching in surprise.
Back in his quarters, Alexandru buttoned up a jet-black shirt and tied his hair into a loose ponytail. From his armor, he slipped a small horn vial of prototype crimson into his pocket — keeping it hidden from view. Then, with a deep breath, he returned to the dining hall.
"Okay, Leilania," he said, rubbing his hands together with a small grin. "Ready to meet your land more properly?"