Rayan's eyes snapped open, the training room's polished wood floor cold beneath him. His head throbbed, memories flooding back in hazy fragments—Natasha's laughs during the spar, the strange heat from the water, her body yielding under his in a frenzy he couldn't control. Beside him, she dozed, her silver hair disheveled, bare skin marked with faint bruises from their passion. Horror gripped him as he saw Elena and Toha standing there, expressions a storm of shock and unspoken words.
"I... Elena, it's not..." Rayan stammered, words crumbling like dry leaves. His face burned, mouth dry as he scrambled for an explanation.
Elena's black eyes flickered with a mix of awkwardness and mischief. She turned abruptly, her golden hair swirling like a cape. "Sorry for the interruption" she said casually, snatching away Toha by hand hurried out, the door clicking shut behind her.
Rayan sat dumbfounded, the silence heavy. He couldn't Believe what he had done.Natasha stirred slightly, her breathing even, oblivious. His heart raced at the sight of her naked form, cute dimples on her cheeks contrasting the mess they'd made. *God, what have I done?* He grabbed his jacket, draping it over her gently, his fingers brushing her skin. The curve of her hip, the way her chest rose and fell—it sent his pulse thundering again, guilt warring with a lingering spark.
Alone, Rayan scooped Natasha up, her weight light in his arms. He carried her to the adjoining bathroom, a small chamber with a stone tub fed by warm springs, steam rising lazily. It was created for the purpose that one can shower after training but who knew one day it would be used after something other than training. He placed her in the water carefully, the liquid lapping at her skin. As he turned to leave, her eyes fluttered open, golden and confused.
"Rayan? What..." She glanced down, realizing her nudity, and yelped, arms crossing over her chest. "Oh no—did we...?"
He froze, face flaming. "I... sorry. It wasn't me—I mean, it was, but..." Words failed again, and he bolted out, shutting the door with a thud.
Natasha sank into the water, confusion swirling with a warm flutter in her heart. *He looked so cute... like a boy caught stealing sweets.* Despite the ache between her legs, she smiled faintly. Comforting, in a weird way.
By afternoon, Elena sat in a sunlit alcove, sipping chamomile tea across from Natasha. The archer fidgeted, her blonde hair tied back, cheeks still flushed from the morning's haze. The air smelled of fresh herbs from the garden outside, crystal chimes tinkling softly.
Before Elena could speak, Natasha bowed her head. "Princess, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to... with Rayan... it just happened."
Elena blinked, then burst into laughter, light and genuine, though she hid the truth about the aphrodisiac. "Oh, Natasha, stand up. I don't mind—really." Her eyes twinkled with mischief. "In fact, it makes us sister-wives now, doesn't it?"
Natasha's jaw dropped, then she chuckled nervously. "I won't dare to say that . Being his mistress would be enough for me."
Elena leaned in, curiosity gleaming. "Tell me, how was it? His first time with someone besides me—did he surprise you?"
Natasha blushed deeply, fidgeting with her cup. "He... turned on me so suddenly. Strong, bold. I wasn't expecting that intensity." She omitted fainting midway, her pride kicking in. "It was... overwhelming, but good."
Elena's eyebrows rose, a spark of interest igniting. "Overwhelming, hmm? He has some stamina to overwhelm someone like you." She spoke with mischief trying to hurt her pride.
But alas....Natasha just gave a node.
They shifted to lighter talk—childhood memories of Rayan tripping over roots during archery games, Natasha's competitive wins, Toha's gentle patches. Laughter flowed, bonding them unexpectedly.
After a while, Elena set her cup down. "I have matters to attend, but...We'll have tea together some other time for sure." She excused herself, leaving Natasha with a mix of relief and curiosity.
In her private chamber, Elena settled with an ancient tome, its pages yellowed and inscribed in flowing elven script. The book whispered secrets of the Great Tree's magic, but her mind wandered to those tea-talks. A knock interrupted—a nervous maid bowed low.
"Princess, forgive me," the maid stammered. "The aphrodisiac... I overdosed it in his water. It's my fault for what happened with Lady Natasha."
Elena chuckled, waving it off. "Don't worry about that.. In fact, do the same amount tomorrow night." *As a good wife I should Give my husband a night to recover.he'll need it."
The maid blinked, relieved, and scurried out.
Meanwhile, Tim wandered the palace halls, wide-eyed at the vine-woven arches and glowing crystals. Marble floors gleamed under sunlight, murals depicting ancient elven battles sparking his curiosity. "It's huge," he murmured, trailing a hand along a carved wall.
Lyra spotted him from a balcony. "Hey, pissing boy!" She called, descending the stairs with a grin. Tim froze, but she raised her hands. "Sorry about yesterday. That magic mishap? Totally my fault. Didn't mean to scare you."
Tim shuffled, embarrassed. "It's okay. I... I was just lost."
Lyra looked at his eyes, her playfulness shining through despite her disdain for humans. But this kid? Innocent, like Finn back home. "Lost? Palace is a maze. Want a tour? I know secret spots with glowing bugs."
Tim's eyes lit up. "Glowing bugs? Like fireflies?"
"Better—elf fireflies. They sing too." They chatted—Tim sharing human village tales of apple orchards, Lyra countering with tree-climbing stories. Laughter continued *Humans aren't all bad,* she thought.
From a window above, Rayan watched, his heart twisting with confusion.