As Grimrose and Lia gently stirred awake, roused from their slumber by the coachman's resonant call, "Your Highness, we have arrived!" The announcement, though sudden, was not entirely unforeseen. They had been traveling for many hours, the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels and the gentle sway of the ride gradually lulling them into a state of near-constant drowsiness. Grimrose, ever the pragmatist, immediately straightened his slightly rumpled tunic, smoothing out the creases as best he could. Lia, on the other hand, stretched languidly, her emerald eyes blinking against the morning light that streamed through the carriage window. She ran a hand through her tangled auburn hair, a soft sigh escaping her lips. The journey had been long and arduous, but the prospect of finally arriving at their destination, the fabled city of Eldoria, filled her with a sense of eager anticipation. Grimrose glanced out the window, his gaze sweeping over the towering gates of the city. Eldoria was even more magnificent than he had imagined, its white marble walls gleaming in the sunlight, its spires reaching towards the heavens like the fingers of a celestial hand. He could hear the distant sounds of the city – the bustling marketplace, the cheerful chatter of the townsfolk, the melodious chiming of the clock tower. A wave of excitement washed over him, a feeling he hadn't experienced in years. He turned to Lia, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Eldoria," he whispered, his voice filled with reverence. "We are finally here."
Upon exiting the ornate, horse-drawn carriage, its wheels crunching softly on the gravel path, they proceeded directly to the dormitory – a sprawling, ivy-covered building that housed both students and temporary staff. Their purpose was to meet with the caretaker, a stout woman named Mrs. Higgins, and inquire about their accommodations for the duration of their stay.
"The designated room for the maid is located here," the receptionist, a young woman with meticulously styled blonde hair and a crisp uniform, stated, her voice tinged with a hint of formality. She directed her gaze towards Lia, who stood quietly beside Grimrose, her eyes scanning the bustling lobby.
"If it is permissible, might she be allowed to stay in my room instead?" Grimrose inquired, his voice calm and measured. He displayed his Dawnstar identification badge – a small, silver emblem bearing the royal crest – as a subtle indication of his authority. The badge gleamed faintly in the soft light of the lobby, catching the receptionist's attention.
"Certainly, Your Highness," the receptionist responded, her demeanor shifting almost imperceptibly. She subtly concealed her apprehension, a slight tremor in her hands betraying her nervousness at the unexpected request. "We will make the necessary arrangements immediately. Would you prefer a suite, Your Highness, to better accommodate both of you?"
"Oh, no need !" Grimrose said, taking the key with a smile. "It's just a temporary room before the exam, after all."
He headed toward their room, and Lia, walking beside him, softly said, "Master?"
"Yes?" Grimrose replied, a playful tease already forming in his mind. But before he could say anything, Lia spoke again, her voice a little shy. "Master, after the test, could we sleep together in your designated room?"
Grimrose's expression softened. He gently took her hand, his voice warm and full of affection. "Don't you worry, my dear," he said. "No one in Eldoria would dare to defy me, so why would you ever think you aren't allowed to stay with me?"
Lia's face lit up with a radiant smile upon hearing Grimrose's words.
"Let's go to our room, master!" she chirped, her voice bubbling with excitement.
Gently, she tugged Grimrose along with her.
Once inside their cozy room, Lia turned to Grimrose.
With a sweet and loving gesture, she kissed her tenderly.
Grimrose was clearly surprised, yet delighted, by this sudden, tender affection.
As Lia kissed Grimrose, Grimrose couldn't help but kiss her back with equal passion.
The night unfolded with warmth, affection, and whispered sweet nothings.
~~~