[i] “You could sleep with a blanket on the floor if you want, but it won’t be any more forgiving than the dungeon,”[/i]

Melissa frowned at Alice’s blank tone and was about to comment once more but was cut off when the princess motioned for her to follow. Looking down like a scolded child, the former knight did just that. Had she upset Alice’s feelings? She supposed she must have felt dejected after the bed offer, but wasn’t that common sense? Hadn’t she been taught since day one to follow the path of humility and only take a royal’s offer is absolutely necessary?

She just didn’t know anymore. Entering into the bedroom, Melissa was surprised by two things. One, that it was so huge, and two, that it was already early evening. There was the sundown she had desperate craved only a few short hours before. Was it really that long ago? It honestly felt like it was longer.

[i] “It might hurt in open wounds, but it’s just a bit cold.”[/i]

Melissa nearly jumped out of her skin at the sudden contact, dropping Miranda to the ground. Gritting her teeth, she held firm and strong until the other girl was close to done. She had a new princess to impress after all.

[i] “You already look so much better without that guck all over you.”[/i]

She looked away once Alice began to stroke her with a free thumb, that light feeling rising up again in her stomach. Why did she feel this way all of a sudden? She wasn’t supposed to harbor such thoughts to her Lady.

And yet…

“Your Highness?” She looked up to meet her gaze this time. “Alice. I’m…technically not a knight you know. At least, not until I’ve sworn oath. So…I mean, I’m not bound by a code of honor. I-I could sleep in the bed…if you still want me to…”