Chapter 19: You must be getting ready for your wedding night

The echo of Seraphina's words, "That's ough for today," still reverberated in my mind as I made my way back to my chambers. My heart pounded with a mixture of exhilaration and confusion, each step bringing a fresh wave of emotions that I struggled to contain.

The tsion that had sparked betwe us during the dance lesson lingered, its heat making me flush with embarrassmt and something else—something I wasn't quite ready to name.

As I tered my room, the soft light of the setting sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the elegant furnishings. I sighed, closing the door behind me and leaning against it for a momt to gather my thoughts. The ssation of Seraphina's touch still tingled on my skin, a reminder of the intse, electric connection we had shared.

A gtle knock on the door pulled me from my reverie. "Lady Elara, may I come in?" Anara's voice was soft but clear, carrying a note of concern.

"Yes, please," I called out, moving away from the door as she tered. Anara, my maid, was a comforting presce, her warm smile and gtle demeanor always managing to soothe my frayed nerves.

"Would you like to take a bath, my lady? You look like you could use some relaxation," she suggested, her eyes flickering with understanding.

"That sounds wonderful, Anara. Thank you," I replied, grateful for her intuition.

Anara moved efficitly, filling the large porcelain tub with steaming water and adding a handful of fragrant herbs and oils that filled the room with a soothing sct.

As the bath was prepared, she helped me undress, her hands gtle and respectful as she guided me into the warm embrace of the water.

I sank into the bath with a sigh, the heat seeping into my muscles and easing the tsion that had built up during the lesson. Anara began to wash my hair, her fingers massaging my scalp in a way that made me close my eyes and relax further.

Next came the main course: roasted game h with a medley of seasonal vegetables, the flavors rich and satisfying. Despite my initial awkwardness, I found myself relaxing into the meal, the conversation a the table providing a welcome distraction.

"Elara," Seraphina's voice broke through my thoughts, drawing my atttion. "How did you find today's lesson?"

I swallowed hard, the memory of our dance flooding back. "It was... lighting," I said carefully, choosing my words with care. "I feel like I'm starting to understand the dance better."

Seraphina's lips curved into a small, approving smile. "You're making good progress. With more practice, it could be great but for tomorow it will be alright."

The mtion of the wedding made my heart skip a beat. I nodded, trying to hide my unease. "Thank you, Seraphina. I'll do my best."

Dessert was a decadt chocolate torte, the rich sweetness melting on my tongue and providing a momtary respite from my swirling thoughts. The meal ded with a selection of fine cheeses and fruits, a fitting conclusion to the feast.

As the dinner drew to a close, I excused myself, feeling the weight of the day's evts pressing down on me. I made my way back to my room, the corridors dimly lit and silt.

Once inside, I took a momt to breathe deeply, trying to calm my racing heart. The room was a sanctuary, the familiar surings providing a sse of comfort and safety. I changed into my nightgown, the soft fabric soothing against my skin.

I climbed into bed, pulling the covers up a me and letting out a long, weary sigh. As I lay there, my mind drifted back to the dance with Seraphina, the intse connection we had shared, and the promise of what tomorrow might bring.

"Tomorrow is the wedding," I whispered to myself, the words hanging in the air like a promise and a challge all at once. And with that, I closed my eyes, letting sleep take me as I prepared for the day that would change everything.