Chapter 25: Self-defense teacher

The morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. As I slowly woke up, the evts of the previous night came flooding back to me. I reached out beside me, only to find the bed empty.

Seraphina was already gone. I sat up, pulling the covers a me, and felt a flush of embarrassmt spread across my cheeks as I recalled the intsity of our counter and how I had asked her to stop.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, there was a knock on the door. My heart skipped a beat. "Come in," I called, trying to sound composed.

The door oped to reveal Anara, one of the palace maids. She stepped inside and bowed deeply. "Good morning, Que Elara," she greeted, her voice cheerful.

Que Elara. It still felt surreal. "Good morning, Anara," I replied, my voice a bit shaky. I took a momt to process the title. Yes, I was now married to the Demon Que. The reality of it all was overwhelming.

I threw back the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, only to realize with horror that I was wearing nothing but my panties. My face burned with embarrassmt as I tried to cover myself with the sheet.

Anara couldn't suppress a grin. "Well, you have to take a shower," she said with a smirk, clearly joying my discomfort. She stepped forward to help me to the bathroom, which was connected to the room.

I followed her, clutching the sheet a me. "I, um, appreciate your help, Anara," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. The bathroom was as luxurious as the bedroom, with a large tub and an array of scted oils and soaps.

Anara started preparing the bath, humming softly to herself. "You seem a bit flustered this morning, Que Elara," she teased, glancing over her shoulder at me.

I felt my cheeks heat up ev more. "It's just... everything is so new and overwhelming," I admitted, fumbling with the sheet. "And please, you don't have to call me 'Que Elara' all the time. Elara is fine."

Anara chuckled. "Very well, Elara. But you'll get used to it soon ough. Now, let's get you into the bath." She motioned for me to step into the tub.

I hesitated, still feeling incredibly exposed. "Could you, um, turn a?" I asked, feeling foolish.

Anara burst out laughing. "Oh, Elara, there's no need to be so shy. But if it makes you feel better, I'll turn a." She turned her back to me, still giggling.

"Thank you," I replied, feeling a bit more confidt now that I was properly dressed. "It's a lovely dress."

Anara smiled. "I'm glad you like it. Now, let's get you to the dining room. Que Seraphina is waiting for you."

My stomach twisted with nerves at the thought of facing Seraphina again after last night. But I took a deep breath and followed Anara out of the room, determined to face whatever awaited me.

The palace was a maze of grand corridors and opult rooms, but Anara guided me expertly to the dining room. As we tered, I saw Seraphina sitting at the head of the table, her cold demeanor firmly in place. She looked up as we approached, her expression unreadable.

"Good morning, Elara," she said, her tone formal and distant.

"Good morning, Seraphina," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. I took a seat opposite her, feeling the weight of her gaze on me.

Breakfast was a quiet, awkward affair. The food was delicious, but I found it hard to joy it with the tsion hanging in the air. Seraphina's cold demeanor was a stark contrast to the warmth she had shown last night, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointmt.

Finally, as the meal was coming to an d, Seraphina spoke again. "Your self-defse teacher is waiting for you in the training room," she said, her tone brisk and businesslike.

I looked up, surprised. "Self-defse teacher?"

"Yes," she replied, her eyes meeting mine. "You will need to learn how to protect yourself. The training will be rigorous, but it is necessary."

I nodded, feeling a mixture of apprehsion and determination. "I understand."

"Good," Seraphina said, her gaze lingering on me for a momt before she stood up. "I will see you later."

With that, she turned and left the dining room, leaving me to process everything that had just happed. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever lay ahead. This was my new life, and I would face it with strgth and courage.