A Kings Frustration ( Lilith / Request )

[Noku Noru]

The steam from the freshly made bath licked at Noku’s tone alabaster skin the moment he entered into the room. His body only covered by a deep rich colored purple robe that loosely clung to his form. His hair was down and free flowing in the front, the rest was pulled up into a bun to keep out of the water. Golden orbs staring down at the beautiful light teal colored water that foamed with exotic perfumes and soaps imported into the kingdom. Steam could even be seen as the bath became an oasis compared to the outside world.

Finally a place where Noku could relax and feel at ease from the stressful on going squabbles of the common people and from staying within his study. Even though his room had been completed by this time, he still refused to sleep in his chambers while that woman was still out there somewhere. His hands undoing the sash of his robe, letting the silk fabric that was covering him fall to the marble floor. Once the fabric hit the floor, Noku was already walking into the bath. His body slowly descending into the waist deep water where he slowly waded out into the middle of the large pool.

meanwhile, a young servant boy attend to his majesty’s royal robe by picking it up off the ground and placing it onto a rack off near the door. The boy placing himself back down on the bench to wait for any other instructions or to provide assistance while Noku bathed. Which by now Noku had found himself a place to sit at the other end of the large pool, placing himself between two large fountains shaped like dragon statues. There he sat on the a bench and leaned back against the edge of the bath’s pool. His head leaned back as he stared up at the arched ceiling that was designed to look like a night sky with elaborate golden moons, suns, and stars.

A slight frown forming on his face as he continued to stare. “ What are you doing? “

He spoke softly to himself, as if questioning his own actions as he closed his eyes. His breathing becoming deep as if in meditation; his chest expanding with each deep drawn out inhale and exhale. Lilith’s image burning into his mind more and more as of late, which was both distracting and yet a fresh breath of air. Perhaps he was more bothered and confused with his feelings toward the repeating image of the elf woman to cause him to be so frustrated and flustered. Even now he couldn’t stop thinking about her and Noku’s cheeks bursted with a rich red hue. Thank the gods he was alone other than the servant who he knew couldn’t see him.

Such a frustrating thing and it bothered him! Why could he not control this? He had seen and been with plenty of women, why did this elf enchant him so? Perhaps it was her demeanor or the way she spoke to him. Damnit, thinking about her again! Noku grumbled, slapping his face with his hand to cover his eyes and cheeks. Though by now his face was completely red as he crossed his legs and remained silent for a good few minutes.

“ Servant! I request your service! “ Noku commanded, his voice echoing throughout the room which startled the poor boy and caused him to jump to his feet. The boy rushing over to the pools edge to listen to his king’s request.

“Is Lady Lilith Harmonia still within the castle? " Noku first asked, his tone becoming a little more serious as he paused to think a little before speaking again.    " Also want you and the other servants to find out what she is into… flowers, perfumes, food etc, you know what she likes… Do this and I will reward you and any other servant that gives me the best information. I don't care if you have to directly ask the questions, just find a way to get me this information...“ Noku requested, his voice some what nervous when he mentioned the flowers and other items he casually had listed; all things the things he figured would at least help give this woman a decent impression of him. That brought Noku to a stand still, realizing he was thinking about her once more let alone asking a servant to get information of a woman!!

Damnit, again he caught himself thinking and doing things irrationally all for the sake of impressing?! HE was king! Why would he care to impress her?! He could have any woman within the world and yet, this one woman captivated him for the time being. Perhaps he had gone insane when that devil woman smashed him on the head a year ago. Noku slid his hand down his face, his expression so un amused as he slumped further into the bath water. Bubbles emerging where his mouth met the water’s surface before waving the servant away in frustration. Not really caring how the servant got the information, the boy leaving the king to soak as he left the bath house and went to search for this Lady Lilith person that the King was so strangely interested in.

[Deleted]

Lilith resided in the castle library, sitting in one of those gorgeous lounge chairs by a window. She looked like a small doll, placed ever so carefully against the chair, her head leaning against the wall as her eyes peered into the book on her lap, eyelashes casting shadows on her pale face. Her platinum hair surrounded her, down and simple today, covering her back, shoulders and ending at her feet with the way her knees were positioned up. Her dress was simple this day, a plain white make, with blue sides and backing, made of a warm velvet and polyester. The sleeves were long, longer than her arms, and were a sheer blue. Silver embroidery lined the neck line, and the line between the blue sides and the white main part. Soft silver string held them together down her stomach, and a beautiful square neckline kept her modesty in check. She wore no jewelry, or anything special on her person, but she had a small bag sitting on the chair with her, brown and plain. In it were her regular things; sketch pad, charcoal, and her healing supplies.

She’d taken to spending her free time here, when she was not with the Queen or home working on her magic skills. It was easier to stay within the castle walls when able, rather than going home every few hours. She liked to check on the Queen often, and it pleased the ill woman to hear from her so often. She was reading about a brave princess who dreamt of more outside her palace walls, wanting to venture out and learn more about her kingdom first hand, wanted to see what her people were like, and how the culture really was, rather than the books had been teaching her. It had Lilith enthralled; so much so that she didn’t notice a shy servant slowly make his way towards her, hesitance clear on his face and in his body language. When he cleared his throat, the young elf jumped, a startled look on her face.

”Are you Lilith Harmonia?” He asked soon after, looking antsy. She looked at him, confused. No one needed to call upon her that she knew of; Aria always found her on her own, and the Queen always sent another of the trusted healers. Y-yes. Why? She turned her body so she was no longer lounging against the chair, removing her legs from it so that they rested on the ground in front of her. She closed the book, but kept her finger in-between the pages, where she’d been reading. The servant looked over her, as if trying to figure out what to say. Nervously, Lilith pushed a strand of hair behind her pointed ears, awaiting her answer.

”Flowers!” He blurted out. ”Do you like flowers?” Lilith furrowed her brows, thoroughly confused. Yes? I’m confused, why are you asking me this? The boy nodded quickly. ”What kind?” M-mermaid Tears! The boy nodded again. Lilith sighed, looking more confused. ”Food?” Strawberries. ”Perfumes?” Lilith shook her head, Nothing too strong; simple scents are always nice, like spring flowers, or fresh linens— Why are you asking me these things? She was growing a bit impatient, not knowing why she was indulging this random stranger with information about herself. The boy seemed to think for a moment before sighing, completely exasperated. ”Would you please come with me? This would be a lot easier if he just asked you himself. — I mean, the King requests your presence!” The boy was flustered, turning pink at his own mistakes. Lilith blinked a few times, her own face turning pink. The king wanted to know those things? But why? And he wanted to see her? She stood, opening the book for a moment and memorizing the page number, before closing it again and placing it on a nearby table. The boy then began to escort her to wherever the king was, and refused to answer any of her questions. After a while, they arrived at a room she’d never been to, and the boy knocked at the door. Upon receiving permission to enter — if it was given— the boy would open the door and step in before Lilith, and blurted out the next sentence. ”Mermaid Tears are her favourite flower; Strawberries are her favourite food; light perfumes are her preference, such as flowers or linens!!” He bowed before the King, his voice nervous and antsy like it had been before.

Lilith was stunned. Why had he taken her to the Kings bathing room???!!! Her face was completely flushed as she entered the room right after the boy, her lilac eyes falling immediately at the water soaked king, her slender hand coming up to cover her mouth which had fallen open. Oh my… She averted her eyes to her feet, not knowing how to proceed.

[Noku Noru]

Noku sat at the bottom of the bath, half his face barely above the water while he stared out at his empty and quiet surroundings. The roar of the fountain's echoed through-out the large rectangular room; The cascading water pouring from the dragon's mouth, broke the pools surface with a steady stream of constant ripples. By now Noku had already risen from his underwater sulk and stood at the base in-between both dragon fountains. His hip line submerged and his back slightly turned away from the door.

More preoccupied with lathering is forearms and chest; Noku washed in silent contemplation. He thought over the security and well being of his kingdom; Plus he could already feel the looming gaze of Kanto peering over his kingdom’s walls. He also had to consider about his own future. With that in the forefront of his mind; He also must face his own complex personal emotions towards a woman that was far from nobility or divinity. He knew his power and status as King was something he could use…After all, He has had no problem demonstrating in the past his power towards the common simple folk...

The title of King meant something, He could demand anything he wanted, but could he demand a person's attention?...Or perhaps even their love? Noku's eyes widen and he shook his head at the thought. To be a king or to be a man? As a man, he could just show emotion and could lay and settle with whomever he desired to fall in love with, But as a King he could do so much more than a man. However, a King that is cursed……

Noku paused in his washing, remembering the curse and the conditions that were told to him when he was a boy. 'Cursed until a goddess were to bare your seed.’ A Divine person he had to woo and bare a child with. No mention of love or eternal commitment, just grin and bare it and hope that your child even survives. The thought didn’t settle well with him.

The poor woman that would have to endure him if the curse didn’t break… The thought of his mother angry yelling at him came into full swing, a violet flash back of a image manifesting of her screaming out to him. “ Die! “ Caused him to shiver and splash water up into his face. A frown settling on his features as he sighed; He knew his uncle King Galahad the 2nd was waiting and watching from the safety of his castle.

He we going to need to find a bride soon. Not by choice, but because he needed to secure the Noru blood line to the throne of this empire his family had created. The thought of his uncle's warning the day he had been crowned burned into his memory and replayed over and over. Galahad the King of Kanto would try and take Nova from him if he didn’t produce a heir to secure the Noru blood line. A heir that would either be cursed, or if he could find a divine being perhaps a cure for himself.

Noku sighed, not really sure what to do at this point as he waded over to one of the dragons and stood under the cascading water from the fountain. The sound of the door unlatching and swinging open caught Noku off guard. He froze in place, his back still turned from the door as he stood perfectly still. He turned his head slowly to look over his shoulder; To his horror his gaze met with the same servant boy from earlier and Lady Lilith.

Noku’s eye’s widen as his features boiled over with a red hue; His blush traveling down all the way to his neck as he stared directly at his servant with a dumbfounded and horrified expression… He had brought her HERE?! AN did he just YELL out the information he wanted in front of her?!?! By the gods was this poor boy retarded or what the absolute hell?! Noku’s jaw slightly dropped and his lips parted as if he was going to speak, but sadly no words came. He was dumbfounded by the boy’s lack of tact and above the look on her face nearly broke his heart. He took a deep breath and watched as Lilith turned away in her own horror of most likely seeing him Naked. What ever ounce of respect she had for him before was most likely gone now.

Well damn it all, this was NOT how he wanted this to go nor did he believe it was proper of his servant to bring her straight into the bath chambers while he was bathing. In shame Noku closed his mouth and tried to regain what bit of composure and dignity he had left. He snapped his fingers for his robe. “ My Robe.” He commanded towards the servant, who quickly moved to get his majesty his royal robe. The boy almost falling into the pool as he maneuvered around the dragon statues and side of the pool to put on his royal majesty’s clothes.

“ I will speak with you later in private…” Noku spoke very softly to the boy as he finished adjusting the robe. The boy’s face paled and he stepped away slowly returning to stand by the door after walking back. Noku now covered, waded out to a seat within the pool. His expression rather irritated as he sat down within the water.

“ Forgive The intrusion of questions and my servants behavior my Lady. He should of known better than bring a refine lady here. You have my apologizes. “ Noku spoke sincerely, lowering his head in a respective nod. He was caught red handed and he had to think fast on what to say next.. “ I can answer for my servants behavior later when I'm more decent; If you wish to leave My Lady.” Noku spoke once more, lying through his teeth about the part of answering any of this disaster. If questioned later he would just deny any of this ever happening, or at least that's what he fooled himself to believe. His cheeks still slightly flustered as he tried to keep a straight serious face.

[Deleted]

Lilith was stunned; her eyes down to the ground after seeing him standing there, basking in the waterfall from the statue. Her face was absolutely scarlet, her lilac eyes wide as could be as she stared at her feet, a thousand things going through her mind. Certainly the servant had made a mistake? There was no way Noku would have asked her to be here! After a moment or so of silence, Lilith dared to look back up, keeping her eyes above his waist, but quickly going up over his chest to his face. His face and neck were just as red as she was so it would seem, which made her assumption correct; he hadn’t meant for her to be here. He looked so utterly shocked, embarrassed, and like he’d been caught doing something wrong. She was entranced by his face for less than a moment more when he snapped his fingers and barked for his robe, causing the poor elf to jump in her shoes, and out of habit she moved to grab it, stopping herself a second later, realizing that it wasn’t her job.

Lilith took this time to glance around the room, admiring the art put into the design of the pool; it was simply magnificent, but she knew now wasn’t the time to speak about that. Every other moment, her mind flashed back to the memory of what she’d seen when she’d walked in. His back had been to her, but even then he was attractive. When he’d turned and she’d actually seen him, well even the memory was turning her red again.

Lilith heard the sound of water moving, and turned her slightly frightened eyes back to him, finding herself relieved that he was covered up now, and she was able to look at him freely. Despite him making himself more comfortable, Lilith remained standing awkwardly, about equal distance from the pool and the door. His voice was like silk in the silence, apologizing for the situation at hand, and nodding to her. I- um.. It’s okay. Mistakes happen. Um.. hmm. She looked back down at her feet, one hand gripping the strap to her back tightly, while the other twisted a piece of hair nervously. Something felt off. it was like he was hiding something from her. And what was more, he gave her the OPTION to leave? Shouldn’t he have just demanded she depart and never speak of this again? IN her nervousness, she spoke like a fool, and asked these questions aloud; W-why did you want to know those things about me? And, why did you send someone else to ask me?… and why aren’t you demanding I leave? T-this entire situation is out of order, and forgive me, I’m just greatly confused, and flustered- I’m sure you are as well- and I-I… Lilith took a deep breath, catching herself in the act of rambling, her face turning bright once more, the tips of her ears even worse.

Her mind was lingering slightly on the sound of him saying “My Lady”, for some reason it made her feel warm. She looked to him apologetically. I have trouble with talking when I’m nervous, forgive me your Highness… She curtsied respectfully, and stood there for a moment more, a conflicted look on her face. It was proper to leave; she should leave; but she rarely got the chance to speak with him one on one, as improper as this whole situation was, she was curious. Hesitantly, she lifted her eyes from the floor once more, daring herself to look at him, see what was hiding behind his eyes this time, rather than just worrying about her own. His face was pink, oddly endearing but not surprising; he’d just been walked in on.

O-of course you don’t have to answer any of that; I must be daft to question you… She spoke nervously, her emotions showing fairly clearly in her body language. She was nervous with normal people everyday, but the King shot her anxiety through the roof, and the nude picture in her mind certainly wasn’t helping; she blushed again, thinking about it once more. Gods this was embarrassing!

[Noku Noru]

Lilith fidgeted nervously and met Noku’s apology with an awkward battery of questions; at length, she regained her posture and her complexion brightened, obviously from the suppressed embarrassment of beholding the king nude. Noku gave length for her to still herself, and responded coolly, and with composure:

“To answer your questions, respectively: to satisfy my curiosity; a brief lapse of judgement; and because it pleases me to give you leave to remain if it should suit you. I am, indeed, a mote confused, however, the misstep of a servant is within my nerves’ tolerance; besides, I am not the caliber of man to find shame with his body. You are, of course, curious about the circumstance of this odd meeting, and it merits an answer.”

Noku strode calmly past Lilith as he exited the bath and approached a small handcart nearby bearing various bathing accoutrements, towels, and a decorative basin with miscellaneous fruits. He turned over the pears, selected one, and carved a morsel from it with a diminutive paring knife, while addressing her:

“Feel free to take a refreshing peach or strawberry if you like; they are most excellent. I sent my servant Yul to ask about you because I felt his capacity for discretion would have been more developed. I had intended to make a more composed gesture after having learned some small details of your preferences, but fate has dealt me a shorter hand. I will, then, reveal myself to you unceremoniously: I fancy you, Lilith; not only your outward beauty, but the presence of your mind and the sternness of your resolve. A king has need of stout hearts and sound minds about him; yours have been counted by me as a benefit to my kingdom and my person, and I thank you.”

A few moments’ silence passed, and a distracted look crossed Noku’s face. He spoke again in a somewhat concerned tone:

“My apologies, I did not even see fit to ask if you were wed or betrothed; it just occurred to me I could be laying bare my emotions needlessly before a doubly-embarrassed servant. I am still a bit distracted from having been interrupted in my bath.”

His full golden eyes leveled with a scowl on Yul, still lingering near the door, as he placed particular emphasis on the final words of his sentence, letting silence work once again to punctuate himself before resuming in a more congenial fashion:

“Might I be so fortunate as to presume no gentleman bears a claim upon your hand, my lady?

[Deleted]

Lilith was pleasantly surprised when he began answering her questions, and nodded in turn for each one, trying to remember in which order she’d even asked them. He had asked them out of curiosity, he didn’t ask himself out of bad judgment, and he didn’t demand she leave cause he wanted her to have that option. Right. Well. She blushed when he spoke about his body before watching him stand and walk. Oh- Of course not!! I never assumed you were—I just… excuse me. I’m very bad with situations such as this. Lilith bowed her head, her hair falling over her face like a veil before she stood straight again, and it fell back to its place on her shoulders and back, tickling her ankles.

When he offered her drink, or food, she moved forwards hesitantly, hearing the word “strawberry” she was basically gravitated towards the cart. She plucked one from the platter, bringing the end of it to her mouth as she nibbled, quite literally like a mouse, listening to him speak. Her eyes were up at him, as he had the height on her, and she blinked once or twice as the lovely taste took over her mouth.

He had continued speaking while she had done this, and she was listening. At this point he’d only said “Composted gesture”, which had her eyebrows raised slightly as she continued to nibble, the berry almost gone now. She lowered the berry from her mouth, and listened more carefully, her mouth closed. She opened it to speak when he was finished, her eyes wide, closing her mouth when she realized she didn’t know how to respond, a small sigh coming out of her nose. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and in the silence she swore he could hear it. I… She stopped, her breathing getting a little heavy, but not audible. The room felt like it was spinning, so she brought the berry back up to her lips, taking the last bite, her eyes at her feet. The taste of the strawberry calmed her nerves a little; something familiar in the midst of something so very very strange.

Forgive me… That was not at all what I had expected to hear, and naturally I’m… incredibly shocked. She blinked bringing her eyes up to him for the moment. Silence passed between them before an odd look crossed his face. His next words, caused a feeling in her chest, like her heart plundered down to her stomach for a moment with the realization that she would have to respond. She saw him look at the poor boy who’d brought her here, but really, he had been a fool. Though there had been a moment of silence, it had felt like a second to her, before he continued with his question, asking in a more formal manner.

Another moment of silence, as she placed the leaves left from the berry back down, and meticulously picked a new one, bringing it to her mouth like a small mouse. Her face was as red as the berry she loved so much. She looked so distracted, her thin brow furrowed, her eyes flashing with one emotion to the next, varying from fear, worry, interest, longing and nerves. After two incredibly small nibbles, she brought her eyes back up to his golden ones, blinking another two times before lowering the berry to her chin and opening her mouth to speak again. No… there is no other person in my life… Her voice was a mere whisper just loud enough to hear over the waterfalls of the bathing room.

More silence as Lilith scrambled for the right words. The king…. she must have misheard him! He fancied her? A civilian in his kingdom, no one of power, or great wealth? Just a woman, who’d found a good job in the castle, by chance. How on earth did she end up here? She lowered her hands, and the strawberry down, no longer in front of her face.

I don’t know why you’re thanking me… Her eyes fell back down from his, the gold too much for her, to melting and present. This is insane… She whispered once more. Immediately, she looked back up at him, hoping not to have offended him, Not you! You’re not insane. I mean just the situation… is insane. I’m sorry. I.. wow. She then realized she’d never actually confirmed if she felt in any manner of emotions, towards him.

She hesitated, keeping her eyes cast down, shadows on her pale skin from her lashes. You are a very kind man… a great ruler, truly… To be in this situation with a man like yourself… it’s very hard to come to terms with, I’m sure you can understand. How could someone not feel something for you? She brought her eyes back up to his by this point, blushing profusely, but her tone was soft and genuine. You’re generous, smart, and I would even dare to say sweet… Nervously, she bit her lip lightly. I’m at a loss for words, Your Highness… If I keep talking, it will become a babble of nerves, like before… You’ve more than flushed me, I must admit… She brought the strawberry back up, nibbling yet again.

[Noku Noru]

The stern accosting from Noku brought Yul's remaining faculties of perception to grips with the situation, and he bowed respectfully as he closed the door upon exiting. Lilith's timid sampling of the lush berries from the cart, and the diminutive manner of her response evoked a solid chuckle from Noku, breaking the awkwardness of their exchange, as she reverted to hiding behind the red fruit again. A broad smile encompassed his expression, and he continued to work on the juicy flesh of the pear as he spoke.

"It is not in my position to be embarrassed, but luck has thrown us together in such a way. With that expression, it's difficult to tell you apart from your strawberry; I can only imagine what this whole exchange must make you think of me."

At this, he chuckled aloud again, and took a handsome bite from the pear, its juices running down to his chin as a result. He wiped them aside and resumed:

"Ah, there, now we both have fruit on our faces. The pear has always been a great favorite of mine; it appears somewhat plain, like a gourd, and often ill-colored, but bears an aroma and flavor of the most desirable kind. Floral, in all regards, as all things rich and fertile. I remember as a child being entranced by the transformation of the dull dreariness of winter into the rich vitality of spring."

Having done with the pear, he replaced its remnant on the platter, and strode to the edge of the pool. His footsteps echoed against the lavish marble, dampened by the warm, moist air. He stopped next the nearest pillar and called over his shoulder in an easy fashion, without any of the regular pomp or strictness of politics, with a playful smirk:

"I stated before it was your pleasure to stay if it suited you; as for me, I will continue with my bath. Since it pleased the gods to bring us together in this context, it would please me to continue this conversation under the same pretext, if your composure permits it"

Noku unbound his robe and hung it under a sconce of one of the exquisite pillars surrounding the bath, exposing his posterior as he submerged himself. He reclined on the edge opposite, his arms resting above the water on the rim of the pool, his chest exposed, his long hair dancing in the water below his shoulders.

"It might do your color some good; the water is enriched with healing minerals and nourishing oils. It would be a rare opportunity for someone outside the royal court, one that I would not extend readily."

The gentle ripple of the fountains, and the intermittent dripping of the damp walls of the cavern, became the predominant sounds of the chamber once again. The moisture clinging to every surface made the bright space glisten and shine radiantly, as sunlight filtered in indirectly from the skylights in the ceiling.

[Deleted]

Lilith watched quietly as Yul exited the room. That left just the two of them alone. She felt her heartbeat pick up considerably. She glanced up at him nervously as he bit into his fruit. I-I think you are an incredible person. This exchange would hardly change that, Your Highness. She squeaked. The sound of his laugh caused a flutter in her stomach, and her mouth popped open slightly. His laugh was beautiful, and she knew for fact, rare to hear. She watched closely as he took a bite again, juice dripping down his sculpted face. As he commented on that, she smiled involuntarily, a small giggle tinkering out of her.

Strawberries are my favourite. Sweet, soft, and they have a lovely aroma. To be honest, I’ve never tried a pear, but you describe them beautifully. She spoke, her voice still so soft, hard to hear against the water. She noticed that without much speaking, he turned away and walked back into the water. She blinked, not sure she was seeing this right. He turned his head back to her, a smirk clear on his face. I’ve never seen him like this… She thought, even her thoughts were said in a nervous fashion.

He was going to continue bathing? And he wanted her to stay??? Oh. My. Goodness. Lilith finished the strawberry and put the remains down. I— She stopped immediately. His was unrobing. He was unrobing… She couldn’t help it. Her eyes dipped down, seeing the way his back curved out into his backside, then down again into his legs. His body was worth drawing, and she made a mental note to do so at a later time.

My colour? Is there something wrong with it? She commented distractedly, her eyes tracing his chest up to his hair floating in the water, almost outlining him. She knew full well this kind of offer was impossibly rare. For anyone, let alone someone like her.

Without a word, she glanced around the room, spotting a door marked “Changing Room” and walked that way, forcing herself not to glance back. She had too many questions to leave now, but there was no way she was undressing in front of him. She closed the door behind her, leaning against it with a hand against her chest. For all she knew this could be a cruel joke; however that was the last thing on her mind. She highly doubted the king was so cruel. After a moment to calm her heart, she looked around, finding a soft baby blue robe. She undressed, folding her dress and underthings in a neat pile and keeping them on the bench. She wrapped herself tightly in the robe, tying the string as tightly as she could. She hair she tried to tie up, and it ended up in a messy falling apart knot. There was some falling out, behind her and in front, but what could she do.

After a moment she opened the door and strode out, her heart pounding incredibly fast. She got to the edge of the pool and stopped. She glanced back up at him, very clearly nervous, but there was determination in her eyes. She took a step in, the water beautiful on her feet. Once she was in the water, she had to decide on where to sit. Not wanting to seem scared, she chose a place closer to him, but not next to him. Thankfully, the spot across from him, wasn’t a large distance away. She settled, a soft sight escaping her mouth. The water was simple gorgeous.

Okay. I’m in the water. Now… Are you just going to tell me you might have feelings for me, and not continue that conversation? Because in all honesty, if you leave me with more questions than answers I may honestly explode. She blurted out, her nerves getting the better of her. She glanced up at him, her lilac eyes filled with curiosity and interest.

[Noku Noru]

Noku watched in amusement as Lilith struggled with his invitation, deposited her berry, and absconded to the changing room. He rested his head against the marble and exhaled deeply, staring at nothing in particular. Her rapid exit prompted a moment of reflection characteristic of his nature.

"What a day..." He mused to himself. A sudden vein of thought struck him, and he pursed his lips and furrowed his brow, meditating. "Rather queer of me to invite another into my bath...not at all so noble or kingly. Am I becoming ill?"

He drew his left hand from the pool and held it aloft, observing the glittering droplets falling from his fingertips. It gave the impression of a snowstorm in full sunlight, and a warm, pleasant sensation filled his skull, accompanied by a brief swoon that took him by surprise. He dropped his hand into the soothing water and looked about him. "It must be very sunny today..." he thought, half aloud. "I could almost swear the walls seem brighter than normal." A vague dizziness, along with a tingling sensation at the back of his skull, proceeded the swoon, and Noku splashed playfully on a sudden impulse. "I know I haven't had a drop to drink, But I feel as though I've consumed a whole bottle...."Noku stretched out and assumed a similar posture as before, his expression soft and blissful. He breathed heavily, inhaling the pleasant aromas of the bath chamber and savoring their comforting mixture.

Meanwhile, Yul had already made it to the entrance of the bathhouse when two servants approached him from behind. In their hands were trays of different bottles of oils and perfumes. The sight puzzled him, though as he turned from the door the first servant to approach addressed the young boy with sternness. " Yul? You dare leave the King alone in the bath house unattended? Such a stupid brat you are! Return to your post and wait for his majesty. Now out of the way, we are late with the King's commendations." The older servant snapped, demanding Yul to move. Yul, jumped startled by the older servants demands and stared at the oils on their trays. " Oh.." Yul paused, some what alarmed sense he had already taken care of Noku's bath by pouring what he believed was bath oil into the royal tub. " I already took care of his majesties bath and other accommodations. While you were dealing with Severine, I took care of your Jobs sense you were so terribly busy...." Yul grumbled back, clinching his fist and turned back to walk down to the royal bath chambers. Halting just at the closed doors allowing his majesty to have his privacy with the elf. He was sure that the bottle he found in the bathhouse was bath oils, Right? With a moment of hesitation, Yul reached into his tunic to pull out the vile he had used in the bath. His green eyes wide with horror as he scrambled to look at the label. ' Lunar Me Biscuit ' Yul's face paled in horror. Though when his color returned he tossed the vile to the side behind some plants as though he was just tossing a coin. His expression blank as he stood by the door in silence.

Inside the bathhouse, At length, Lilith resumed the chamber clad in a blue robe of a delicate color, and, matching its hue with her stride, slunk to the edge of the pool. Curiosity or embarrassment had likely emboldened her, and she dismounted the lip of the bath, selected a seat a comfortable distance away, and demanded a due explanation for this hackneyed meeting. Noku returned to the bath from his oblivious reverie with a half- dazed expression, and blinked several times, which seemed to restore his awareness. His gaze settled on the slender elf, her delicate frame revealed perfectly in the water's effect on the thin robe. Her lilac eyes and pink lips danced as she spoke, directing a kind of suppressed fervor at the king, indicative of her building frustration. Noku's eyes ran along the contours of her body, gently distorted in the ripples of the pool, resting at her face-stark, but softened by her natural features, and punctuated by the gentle purple of her irises.

" Oh? To be sure, I had no intentions of leaving you without a proper answer. Though, I will admit, I would of hoped you'd realized I was being serious when I said ' I fancy you' . After all, I would not extend such an offer like this to just anyone; I would not ask such direct questions if I was not interested in the person before me... I also realize you know little about me; Other than what ever has been told you to by my peers. " 

Here, he trailed off, sensible of being in danger of committing a faux pas by doting on appearances. After a moment, he resumed.

"Tell me, Lilith, do you like it here in the castle? I mean, does it suit you well enough to remain here of your own will?"

Noku scowled and shook his head.

"No, no, blast it, that way of starting is all wrong."

He reflected internally a few moments, and began again.

"Forgive me; tell me something about yourself, something you might only reveal to a person who has your confidence."

As Noku phrased his request, he repositioned himself a little closer to where Lilith had settled, and gazed intently into her eyes, his own golden rings searching, anticipating the response.

[Deleted]

Having been in the changing room, Lilith hadn’t heard a word he’d been saying to himself, nor was she aware of his “intoxication” as of yet. As she strode through the water and took her seat, she felt Noku’s eyes on her and flushed appropriately. She knew the robe was thin, and wouldn’t hide much, but it was cover. She looked up to meet his eyes, her own narrowing for a moment. He looked odd. She flushed once more at his words, waiting to answer until he was finished, not wanting to interrupt.

Even when he trailed off, she waited a moment, having a hunch he wasn’t finished yet. She opened her mouth to answer his first question, but shut it as he continued on with a scowl. Something was strange about him now. That she knew for certain. While he reflected, she looked around the water. It had a strange scent, something she could have sworn she’d smelt before, but couldn’t place it. For some reason her mind felt fuzzy and wouldn’t allow her to list off her known potions and such. She ignored it for the time being; he’d said there was oils and such in the water, so perhaps that was all it was.

He wanted her to tell him something about herself… alright. She looked up before she started speaking, blinking as he moved himself closer to her. Well, just to go back for a moment, I did know you weren’t being foolish before. I know you are serious about such matters. I just wanted more answers on the topic… but I suppose we have more time now, so It can wait… She twirled a piece of hair around her finger in the water, fidgeting nervously. Now… to answer your question… I don’t believe this is common knowledge about me, but I am an orphan. Or was, I suppose. My parents died shortly after I was born, and I lived in an orphanage until I was old enough to take care of myself. As far as I know, that is far from common knowledge about me. She looked down, a solemn look on her face for a brief moment. When she looked back up she met his golden eyes, something clearly muddled in them, but for some reason, she wasn’t as suspicious now, her own eyes most likely looking similarly to his. There was a small shy smile on her face as she shrugged off her story.

It was a very long time ago, but you asked for something I don’t tell just anyone… but… if you want to be fair… you’d do the same? She stutter was gone, her words becoming a bit more bold now, as she cocked her head in curiosity, her finger still twirling the hair, but more absent mindedly than before. Oh, and I spend more time in the castle than I do my own home these days; so I suppose you can say I like it here.

[Noku Noru]

The slender elf before him toyed with a lock of her pale tresses while answering Noku's crude delivery of a personal inquiry. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, leaving only the uppermost portion of his shoulders and head above the water, his golden irises framing widened pupils as he studied Lilith's face intently while she spoke. He traced the soft curves of her nose and mouth, noting how starkly her angular ears and eyes stood out in fierce complement to her mostly delicate appearance. Her lilac eyes returned a matching expression, and Noku's wandering gaze fixed upon them as his lips parted slightly. A cooling sensation ran from the base of his skull to the tip of his tailbone, and seemed to pulse gently as Lilith's lips danced as she spoke.

"An orphan? A worthy secret indeed, particularly amongst nobility. Although..." Here, Noku trailed off, gazing absently into the pool. "...come to think of it, I don't have many memories of my parents, either." He returned his focus to the elf, and answered her rebut. "And yes, of course. Thank you for revealing that; I am sure you must miss them dearly." His expression was somber for a few moments, then became pensive as he searched for a memory to offer. An appropriate one found its way to his recollection, and he smiled alongside a brief chuckle. He leaned to within a foot of where Lilith was sitting and whispered with a broad grin: "I like boats."

A snort echoed from the marble as Noku suppressed a short laugh, a mischievous look on his brow. He eased into his seat and spoke aloud: "I do, I like boats. Seafaring has always been a scholastic interest of mine, though the responsibilities of a king do not allow time for such journeys a sailor must undertake to call himself a seaman." Noku laughed a hearty, open laugh that filled the chamber, and kicked his legs upward and away from his body, reclining fully against the edge of the pool. His long white hair flowed outward, dancing with the ripples undulating from the motion of both their bodies, and obscured certain portions of his anatomy. "I used to anticipate our summer visits to Kanto when we would sail for the annual royal council my father and uncle held to discuss their finances. Terribly droll stuff, but the frigate was a most excellent and exciting vessel; tastefully designed and masterfully crafted by my uncle's private artisans. It was painted the color of the sea after a storm, and trimmed in gold. The foredeck was painted yellow, and the main deck a fierce red. I used to pace fore and aft with my spyglass, pretending to be a captain..."

Noku's eyes drifted among the pillars, his demeanor calm and amiable. His hair had begun to settle closer to his body, and assumed the profile of his chest and abdomen. Light glittered all around him, thrown from the still rippling pool and reflected brilliantly off his alabaster skin. His chest expanded slowly with a long, heavy breath, his pulse quickened and noticeable in the structure of his neck. The strong vein throbbed with apparent perturbance, belying some internal struggle. After some moments, he gathered his focus, looked about himself, and scrutinized his lap. An awkward smile emerged on his face, and he crossed his legs.

"Perhaps not as equally personal, but it is widely unknown; at the least, there are very few people who know anything about it. I haven't spoken of it in many years." A tingling sensation began at his fingertips and spread inward, engrossing his hands, then arms, then shoulders, cumlinating in his temples and inducing a swoon. Noku's vision blurred, and he put his arms forward in an attempt to stabilize himself. His efforts resulted in submerging himself, startling him out of his stupor, and he came up sputtering, his white hair clinging to his skin. As he rose, he stumbled forward, managing to right himself immediately before where Lilith was seated, exposed to his navel. His eyes followed the outline of the thin robe above the now choppy water, and rose to hers, surprise and alarm giving way to a glossy expression. The cooling sensation began again as he peered after her eyes and lips in succession, evoking a stifled gasp. He stood transfixed for many long seconds, then stood fully erect, regaining his usual composed demeanor. The entire chamber glistened with bright flashes as the peaks of the bath slapped against eachother and the marble in their tumult. His stature, at this distance, dwarfed Lilith's delicate frame in comparison, his shadow obscuring a portion of the scattered light that fell against her pale complexion. He spoke in a deep, somber tone, looking her full in the eyes as he gazed downward on her face:


"Do you see a severe and callous politician when you look at me, Lilith? The same as my court and servants? I have heard many unsettling comments about the things my subjects say about me in candid gossip; I am certain you have heard your share. Or, would you prefer to have another glimpse of my ignoble side before settling your mind?"

[Deleted]

Lilith watched as he digested her “secret”. He responded about how she would expect him to, but trailed off for a moment, speaking of his own parents. The image of Luca flashed across her mind and she closed her eyes for a moment, not letting the emotion cross her face. The last thing they needed to be talking about was his mother right now. I can’t miss someone I never met; but thank you for the gesture. She smiled sweetly, her eyes crinkling lightly as she assured him she was fine.

Sudden;y he smiled and laughed, causing her to look at him curiously, cocking her head slightly to the side as he got closer to her and whispered… boats. Lilith let out a giggle, sweet and beautifully pitched, along with his chuckle. Her light eyes watched his every facial expression and movement, thrilled to see the joy in his eyes. As he spoke on about what he loved, he laughed, and he relaxed for a moment, and Lilith watched in adoration. Her mouth was in a cute admiring smile and her eyes were wide and almost sparkly as she gazed on him in his pleasant state. He was so content... so human, Lilith couldn't help but continue to smile, adoring every moment of it. She glanced down momentarily to see his hair floating out around him, similar to what hers had done before. When he admitted to pretending to be captain, another short and sweet giggle left Lilth’s mouth, her cheeks pink from smiling.

I think they are equally personal. In their own, respective ways, they are just as personal as one another. So, I thank you for sharing. She spoke softly, savouring the moment of peace she felt. She watched as he zoned out for a moment, but didn’t think too much of it, as she was doing something similar. However when he collapsed into the pool for a brief moment, Lilith stood upright, stunned by the splash and the waves caused her robe to loosen, the top part opening up about halfway, hinting but no visuals. She sat down as quickly as she stood up as he got up directly where she had been sitting. She slunked into the water, not knowing about the robe and how it floated with the current, and stared up at him, four times her size if not more with how he stood. She couldn’t help but let her eyes wander down from his face, along his sculpted chest and abdomen… his arms looked so strong… She darted her eyes back up from there, a small blush creeping up her face and the tips of her ears.

He began talking, looking her directly in the eyes once more. She listened carefully, her face becoming a bit surprised by the time he’d finished speaking. She took a moment to figure out her answer, and then returned her eyes to his, still her head and tops of her shoulders above the water, speaking confidently, though just as softly as before. Your Majesty… when I look at you, I see a strong and fair ruler. Someone loyal, and fierce. I cannot speak for your court or servants, so I do not know if it is the same as them, though I do hope they see you in such the golden light I do. Your Highness, rumours are nothing. I hear things, yes, but never for a moment do I believe them, because I didn’t hear it from you. They’re rumours for a reason… My king… My mind doesn’t need settling… a small smile slipped on her lips, her face red as a berry as her eyes spoke for her.

[Noku Noru]

Noku's white hair shone silver in the rich light reflected from the turbulent pool, clinging all about him and creating sparkling rivulets of water that ran along the contours of his abdomen. The droplets that fell from his brow shone like glass, and the broad void of his pupils showed starkly against them. The thin bands of his irises assumed a deep amber hue, a pale flush spreading across his cheek, and his chest rose and fell fervently, his pulse quickened from the sudden excitement and the image of the timid elf gazing up at him, her lithe body obscured by the waves. Lilith's visage beamed upward at the king, dwarfed by his stature, but resolute and calm as a flower before the storm, now as bright as the choice fruit she had so eagerly relished. Her soft lips parted in a delicate curve, her lilac irises bold against the soft whites of her angled eyes, illuminated in surging waves of light, and dark against her flushed brow.


When Lilith had done with her praise, Noku raised his broad hand from the pool, and, placing it against her cheek, cradled her skull with his grasp. His fingers rested gently against the back of her skull, parting around her pointed ear, and dividing the wet locks of her hair, his thumb against her cheekbone. He looked at her a moment, then brought his thumb down below her lips, placing it underneath her chin. In a fluid, coaxing motion, he raised his arm, placing gentle pressure on her jaw and neck, lifting her slowly above the water until she had realized a standing posture. Once erect, Noku removed his thumb from her jaw and returned it to her cheek, raising his other hand to match the position of the first, and cradled her head in his powerful hands. His breathing slowed, and a uniform light succeeded the chaotic undulation as the waves of the pool began to settle. A stillness fell upon the chamber, and the two gazed at eachother in silence a few moments.

Noku spoke, his voice broad and present: "Lady Lilith Harmonia, As a king I must be bold, but as a man I am terrified. I want to know more about you, however to do so I must become vulnerable and ask if you would see me again, only next time as something more than just a king or a man... If your mind is settled then the next words to leave my lips are already decided. Lilith, will you grant me the honor of courting you?"

His right hand descended slowly along the curvature of her neck, past her shoulder to her flank, and rested upon her waist firmly. Noku drew her to him, her breast against abdomen, his strong pulse obvious through his skin. His left hand rested at the base of her neck, his thumb giving gentle pressure against her throat. The two were by now shrouded in steam from the mouths of the statues that steadily supplied the bath with its fragrant fluid, the very ceiling now dripping from the ambient moisture.

[Deleted]

Lilith felt her heart beat escalate while he looked down at her, his form utterly towing over her own. Her lilac eyes looked up at him, wide and innocent, oblivious to whatever was going on in his mind. Her eyes shifted as his hand rose from the water, reaching for her head. She didn't move, allowing him to cradle her skull, maybe even leaning into it slightly. She felt the warmth from his skin reach her own, and felt her heart skip a beat or two upon the contact. His hand was so gentle on her face, his thumb soft on her cheek. Everything felt like it was happening in slow motion, his thumb slowly moving below her chin to her jaw, raising her out of the water. She didn't even notice he was lifting her until she felt the slightly cooler air hit her. Her robe was soaked by now, clinging to her form and not tied as tightly as she had originally had. His other hand lifted to, and her eyes darted down to watch is it rose up, reaching to the other side of her face. Her breath caught in her throat as his other palm touched her face, once again the warmth making her feel calm. A smile reached her lips, although she was unaware of it as it happened as it as based on reflex of the situation. Her eyes reached back up to his, completely entrapped in the molten golden pools. Her face was flushed, both from the heat of the room, and her own personal nature making her flustered.

When he begun to speak she blinked, torn out of the trance like state she had been falling into. He used her full name, a trait she found formally amusing. As he spoke, her mind analyzed bits on pieces of his words. Terrified? Why? She was no one important, not really. Just a healer who'd gotten lucky with her work. Thats all. A bookworm, an introvert, a socially awkward outcast at best. He wanted to know more about her...? He wanted to see her again...? Lilith's heart beat sky rocketed, pounding heavily in her chest. Her fingers fiddled with the folds of the robe at her legs, a nervous habit (though normally it would be her hair.)...............

.............

He wanted to court her. She knew what her answer was, and she knew what she said earlier had hinted towards it, but she never, never imagined he would actually ask her. I... She sputtered, stopping as his hand descended from her face, moving to her waist, causing the tips of her ears to turn scarlet. He pulled her closer, their bodies flushed together, and he would no doubt be able to feel her pounding heart. Wait.. what was that? Was that his heart beat? She tilted her head up to look at him, her eyes full of emotions; nerves, wonder, curiosity...

Your Majesty... She blinked, forcing herself to speak slowly so as not to ramble like before. She took a visible deep breath. Yes. Of course, yes. Her voice was incredibly light and quiet, but full of good emotions, a beautiful innocent and sweet smile spread across her lips, as her eyes shone up at him. I... I can't believe this is actually happening. I mean, I've read stories like this over and over... but I never... She looked down, realizing she was rambling again, her face bright red.

[Noku Noru]

Noku's face flushed to match the pink fully enshrouding Lilith's visage, her soft voice like music against the steady cascade of the fountains. As he held her delicate form to his, the rhythm of her heartbeat came strong and fast through her soft flesh, eliciting a powerful rush of adrenaline. Noku's vision blurred, his face went numb, and the only sensation he could discern was the rapid, soft pulse of the fragile creature in his arms. A sweet, delicate scent reached him, rousing him from his oblivion, and set his many senses ablaze; it was maddening, like ambrosia to parched lips, and consumed him instantly. The only perceptible object outside the entrancing odor was her voluptuous lips, and the sight such made his own tingle and burn.

"Lilith..."

He leaned in closer, his face inches from hers; the scent grew stronger and the tingling intensified. As the realization dawned on him, his whole body surged with anticipation; the source was the elf herself. Overcome with desire, his body moved on its own; in a moment, his fingers tangled in her hair, her soft skin yielded to his grasp, her lips opened beneath his own, the whole of his being was consumed in oblivious ecstasy as he drank the rich nectar of her body in wondrous rapture. Noku had the elf pinned beneath him, clutching desperately at her supple body, before the image of her innocent form against the cool marble returned the first vestige of control to his inebriated senses. His eyes surveyed every curve with a ravenous desire, and his own animalism roused him from his frenzy. Her body bent beneath his, the steady rippling of the bath, and the sporadic dripping of the now-soaked ceiling rushed upon him like a revelation, and his flush turned a perfect, unbroken crimson. Unable to release her for some moments, Noku held her fast with a vise-like grip, in the fullness of his power, his pulse resounding in his chest and temples like madness, his chest heaving. After nearly a full minute of internal struggle, the king regained control of his body, and flung himself backward from the intoxicating figure before him, stumbled, and submerged himself once more. He came up sputtering, bewildered and incensed, inflamed with equal parts arousal and embarrassment at his rash actions. Still displayed, the robe clinging to her shape merely in principle, her body remained before him in the fullness of its form, and he stood riveted.

"I, uh...that was, um...you...we should...........IT WOULD BE A GREAT HONOR IF YOU WOULD GO SAILING WITH ME TOMORROW!!!!"


He practically shouted it as he turned from her and submersed his lower body in the bath, avoiding further embarrassment after such an ignoble exchange. His flush had reached his chest, consuming every inch of exposed flesh. He sat staring into the bath, mortified and confused, thinking of nothing but the curvature of her shekinah, utterly incapable of meeting her lilac gaze.