313: [Bonus chapter]My Life Is A Mess

[Bonus chapter]My Life Is A Mess

Once Oriana entered the mansion, she was welcomed by Xena who offered her gentle smile despite observing Oriana clad in the man's coat. From the crest on the lapel of the coat, Xena could tell it belonged to Prince of Griven. But, as the well mannered lady she was, she didn't ask anything.  1

"Let's go back to your room and let me help you change your clothes," Xena offered.

Oriana, whose mind was still a mess, didn't deny the kind gesture of Xena and followed her upstairs towards the guest room. 

Xena helped her take the coat away and folded it back neatly. Her gaze didn't miss the marks on Oriana's delicate skin and could guess what must have happened.

Oriana was quiet so Xena asked, "Are you alright?"

Oriana was pulled back to her senses and offered a light smile to Xena. "Yes, I am alright. Thank you for the help and trouble you went through because of me, lady Xena."

"Do not mention it," Xena replied and started helping her with removing her dress. "I had asked Eva to prepare a bath for you. Soaking in hot water will help you get rid of tiredness."

"Thank you, Lady Xena."

"I will arrange a night dress for you," Xena informed and walked out of the room after hanging Oriana's dress on the stand. 

As Oriana watched Xena's retreating back, something came to her mind. She recalled how before getting ready for the ball, Xena and other two female servants served her like they were her maids. Under Xena's instructions, Eva and Marie prepared a lavish bath for her and even bathed her. They even had a grooming session for her despite Oriana's reluctance. They were adamant on turning her into a prim proper noble lady. Oriana was aware it was done under Seren's order. 

She could not help but think, 'Why did Queen Seren go to such a length to prepare me for a ball? Was she expecting me to be with a man or with Prince Arlan himself?'

Oriana had so many questions but at the same time she felt like thanking the queen. If not for her, she would have been utterly embarrassed in front of the prince. Being busy in her everyday life's struggle, Oriana never got the chance to be like a lady and take care of herself. It was the first time she was treated like a lady and all because of Queen Seren.

She went to the bath and sat in the hot water tub, her legs folded in front of her chest and her hands circled her knees. Her mind was filled with the moments she spent with Arlan. She didn't know what to think of it. Unknown to her she was falling for the man she should not and even if she tried to stop herself, she would end up being pulled towards him. It was difficult.

Oriana realized he was nothing but gentle with her, taking care of her, he was such a good man for any woman but she could not be the one for him. 

"My life is a mess. A big mess."

She let her limbs be free in the warm water and rested her head back at the border of the tub as she tried to relax. 

The moment she closed her eyes, what Arlan did with her in that room and on that bed, flashed in her mind. Instinctively she clenched her thighs together as her heart beat faster and light gasp left her lips. 

She opened her eyes in a shock. She was feeling the same and her body was willing to accept it. Utter embarrassment took over her. 

'What the hell is wrong with me? That man, he…why did he do it? I..I need to forget about it.' 

She looked down at her naked body and it made her aware of how her body was desiring for him again. Standing up, she stepped out of the bath tub immediately and grabbed the drying cloth to wipe her body quickly. Not willing to be naked even for a moment more, she put on the clothes arranged by Xena for her.

Not bothering to dry her hair, she straight went to bed. Her body curled in a ball, she tried to avoid having any thought about Arlan.

'I shall stop thinking about it. He doesn't know it was me so let's act as if nothing happened. One day I have to go away from him, so there is no need to ponder over these things. It means nothing more than just a momentary physical affection towards him. It will go away with time. It will go away…'

She fell asleep in no time as she was tired. Each of her days were packed since morning and she hardly got any rest other than sleeping at night. Practicing for tapping on her powers was already exhausting enough and today Arlan had tired her out in a different way. 

—-

Arlan returned to the guest mansion. His heart felt empty as he had left Oriana back at the Megaris' guest mansion. He wished to bring her with him, but as she was hiding, he didn't wish to expose her.

Not for even a single moment a thought of his mate left his mind even when he went to bed. Lying in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, all he could think was her. He missed her presence, her sweet and comforting scent in the room and looked at the couch she used to sleep on. He stepped out of the bed and went to the couch, his hand touching the soft fabric of the couch as if he could feel her presence through it.

To make up for her absence, he lay down on the couch by adjusting one cushion under his head with the intention of sleeping there. 

He was tall and of course his legs peeked out of the couch but he didn't mind and was determined about sleeping there. As he closed his eyes, a light smile painted on his lips. 

'Her body is too small to fit on this couch.'

The next morning he woke up and felt his body a little stiff. He stood up and stretched his limbs. 

'This couch sure is not comfortable. How does she even sleep here? It's not good for her," a light smirk painted on his lips, 'she should sleep comfortably. My bed is comfortable and enough for two people.'

As if he had made the best decision of his life, Arlan happily went to freshen up. He was eager to see her. 

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