But as she made her way to the maids' quarters to inform them of the Duke's request, Zilayefa couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being watched. She glanced over her shoulder, but there was no one there.
When she arrived at the maids' quarters, Zilayefa found the maids busy with their daily chores. She informed them of the Duke's request, and they quickly got to work, preparing the bathwater and gathering the necessary linens.
As the maids bustled about, Zilayefa couldn't help but wonder what the day ahead held for her. Would she be required to sing for the Duke again? And what was the purpose of the bath he had requested?
Just as she was starting to ponder these questions, one of the maids approached her. "Zilayefa, the Duke has requested that you attend him after his bath," she said quietly.
Zilayefa's heart skipped a beat. What did the Duke want with her now?
Zilayefa's heart was racing as she made her way to the Duke's chambers. She had no idea what he wanted with her, but she had a feeling that it wasn't going to be good.
When she arrived at the Duke's chambers, she found him sitting on a couch, dressed in a luxurious robe. He looked up at her and smiled, and Zilayefa felt a shiver run down her spine.
"Ah, Zilayefa," he said, his voice low and husky. "I trust you're feeling well today."
Zilayefa curtsied, trying to hide her fear. "Yes, my lord," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
The Duke nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Good," he said. "I have a task for you. I want you to sing for me again, but this time, I want you to sing something special."
Zilayefa's heart skipped a beat. What did the Duke mean by "something special"? And what would happen if she refused to sing for him?
But before she could ask any questions, the Duke continued. "I want you to sing a song that will make me forget my troubles," he said, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "Can you do that for me, Zilayefa?"
Zilayefa hesitated, unsure of what to say. But then she remembered the way the Duke had looked at her earlier, the way he had smiled at her. Maybe, just maybe, she could use her music to connect with him, to make him see her as more than just a servant.
"Yes, my lord," she said finally, her voice firm. "I'll sing for you."
The Duke smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good," he said. "I'll be waiting."
And with that, Zilayefa knew that she had to come up with something special, something that would make the Duke forget his troubles and see her in a new light.
As Zilayefa finished her song, the Duke looked at her with an intense gaze. "Zilayefa, I want you to do something for me," he said, his voice low and commanding.
Zilayefa felt a sense of trepidation, unsure of what the Duke was going to ask her. "Yes, my lord?" she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
"I want you to bathe me," the Duke said, his eyes never leaving hers. "And I want you to sing while you do it."
Zilayefa's eyes widened in surprise, and she felt a sense of hesitation. She had never been asked to do something like this before, and she wasn't sure if she was comfortable with it.
But before she could respond, the Duke's expression turned stern. "Do not refuse me, Zilayefa," he warned. "If you do, I will make sure you regret it."
Zilayefa felt a shiver run down her spine, and she knew she had no choice. She nodded reluctantly, and the Duke smiled, seemingly pleased with her response.
As Zilayefa began to sing, she also started to bathe the Duke, trying to focus on the task at hand. The Duke closed his eyes, a look of relaxation washing over his face.
When she finished bathing him, the Duke opened his eyes and looked at her. "Now, dress me," he commanded, his voice still low and husky.
Zilayefa nodded, trying to compose herself. She helped the Duke get dressed, trying not to touch him more than necessary.
When she finished, the Duke looked at her, seemingly pleased with her work. "Now, go and bathe yourself," he said. "And then join me in the dining hall."
Zilayefa nodded, relieved that the task was over. She curtsied and quickly exited the room, trying to process what had just happened.