Primous Rising [Book 1 of The Unravelling series]

17. Celestiana

The room was spotless as ever. The bare coconut white walls with exquisite patterns of golden flowers, blush curtains drawn, shielding the darkening sky, were a familiar cage. Her king-sized bed was pressed to the wall across from her, two nightstands were set at either side of it, and to her relief, their surfaces were empty. The bedcover donned was deep violet, as though it emitted light of its own. A quick scan of the chamber convinced Celest Lyonaurd had not made a move to meet her alone.

Her three human maids stood in a straight line, backs against the door leading to the bathroom. They bowed upon seeing her.

The oldest one, with long brown hair and a freckled face, greeted her. "Welcome m'lady Primous."

Celest nodded and forced a weak smile. The day lasted an eternity for her, but the damages might remain much longer.

The youngest hurried past her and closed the door as Celest trudged towards the bathroom.

Her maids undressed her and led Celest to the bathtub, filled to the brim with lukewarm water. Petals of flowers she could not distinguish floated on it. The rich, flowery scent tickled her nostrils. She dipped and welcomed the soothing sensation.

The girls started while she closed her eyes to detach herself from her problems. Far too soon, they scrubbed her clean, and washed and untangled her messy hair. Done cleansing her, they moved aside and the middle one held a towel for her.

Celest rose. Goosebumps broke through her skin from the lack of warmth as the maid helped her and wrapped the towel around her slender figure. With caution, and the support of the same girl, she stepped out of the tub and her feet landed on soft towels. The youngest girl placed a pair of slippers before her, while the eldest brought in her nightgown and robe.

"I can dress. Wait outside," she ordered.

They bowed and scurried out.

Celest couldn't count the number of times she had asked Lyonaurd to assign her maids to other responsibilities, but it all fell to deaf ears. They were always in her room to assist her. Even though growing up, countless cleaners and servants wandered in the Anderson mansion, she wasn't used to having three people constantly tailing her. Remembering the discomfort and embarrassment she endured during her first month made her cringe inwards, even now.

But she adapted to it, like any other problem hurled at her.

With graceful strides, Celest crossed the bathroom and retrieved her clothing from where the maid had laid them.

Her muscles ached with every motion, so she tried to keep her movements as minimal as possible as she wore her silky nightgown.

She plodded back to her bed-chamber, facing the youngest of the trio who was standing before her dressing table, waiting. Silently she sat on the chair and the girl began drying her hair.