It is the bathing room, and there is a large bathtub in the center of the room. A smaller bathtub with bubbling warm water, powered by elvish magic, is in the corner of the room.

The bubbling water is a delicate pale pink; a result of flower petals being crushed together and made into a liquid.

I remove Harper’s gown, trailing my fingers down the center of her back as I help her into the warm water.

Then I follow her, sitting across from her so that our legs are interlocked. The bath is smaller but is large enough for both of us to fit.

I want to spend as much time with Harper as I can before I leave. I want her to feel loved and cherished.

I start by taking some more of the floral solution that is in a basin next to the bath and pouring it over her.

Then, with my hands, I wash her. I start at her neck, massaging the liquid into her skin.

She moans slightly, and I can feel that her muscles are tense beneath my hands.

What has she been doing to herself?My thoughts are almost frustrated. Harper should not be doing hard work any longer.

She lays back against the wall of the tub as my hands slip lower. I massage her shoulders, and then her arms.

I scoop up warm water and rinse the suds off her. Then I reach for more of the liquid.

Somewhere, one of the servants is singing. Their voice has managed to reach us even through all these walls.

Harper exhales sharply when I cup her breasts with both my hands. She pushes her body against my hands.

But my intention is not to make love to her now. I simply want to love her and nourish her.

There will be time later.

I hope.

I stroke her stomach, knead the muscles in her back, and massage her thighs and calves.

When I am finished, her eyes are closed, and she is humming slightly. I do not think she even knows that she is doing it.

She sighs heavily as I rinse myself, her eyes fluttering open. Harper looks slightly dazed as I help her out of the bath.

“Where are we going now?” She asks me.

“Get dressed sweetheart. We’re having breakfast next.” I reply and place a soft kiss on her forehead.

I cannot help but think about the letter in my study. And the expedition that waits for me.

It looms overhead like a dark cloud, and I feel as though it will burst open any minute and drown us all.

Harper pulls on a simple dress that flows and curves with her body. I walk behind her as we head to breakfast, my eyes fixed on the sway of her hips.

The servants have opened up the morning room, and there are bunches of flowers on every flat surface.

The room is already warm from the morning sun, and the breakfast table groans from the weight of the food on it.

“Spend the day with me.” I say as we tuck into the delicious food. “It is your day off today.”

“It isn’t actually.” She laughs.

“I’m your boss. I say that it is your day off.” I retort, returning her smile.

“You’re very bossy.”