Darling

”Miss Clorinde, you’ve returned. Welcome home.” With grace and eloquence, laying one palm atop the other, tilting the head at a forty-five degree angle, knees together, toes parallel and aligned with the width of your body, you closed your eyes to greet the head of the house with the warmest welcome. You expected to be treated with the common silence that she had always done, or even a subtle glance in your specific direction amongst the other maids forming a parallel line to be graced by her presence. Though she wasn’t particularly stern, perhaps maybe unreactive to the mass amount of attention given in her own home - the one place where she was supposed to be able to let her guard down - many of the maids, including yourself were confused and concerned when she had returned home smothered in drenched attire.

Of course, chaos ensued the moment she stepped foot dripping wet and parading as if it were the social norm. The corridor erupted into a discord of questioning, the worries of scatter-brained maids hurriedly leapt out of their positions to scurry to Clorinde’s aid. You stood there, remaining perfectly still with your head lowered, knowing just how carefree Clorinde seemed to be about such a miniscule disruption to her day. She walked past the crowd of maids with ease, her heels alerting everyone present that she was not intending to spare idle chatter while drenched in her uniform.

“Your orders, Miss Clorinde?” A tone as delicate and saccharine as the lady whom you accepted commands from, your words were the most comforting noise audible amidst the ruckus. The moment you heard those same heels pause by your side, a subtle smile spread across your lips.

Clorinde began by listing the events that maids would often tend to. “I’ve already shared some tea with Wriothesley - I used that opportunity to dry my hair. Most of the deeds were executed by the Duke himself, so I needn’t make you all worry with much more- actually,” Clorinde folded her arms over her chest in thought before turning to you, “Just a bath will do for now. A bath and a change of clothes. Thank you.”
“Of course, my lady.”

With that, Clorinde spared none other even a second glance or instruction before she quickly bolted off into her room. You could tell that she was agitated, as if she were trying to keep a collected profile for the others who held her with high regard.

With zero hesitation, Clorinde dropped her drenched garments to the floor and took slow strides to the bath. Pacing completely bare and uncaring for the fact that you remained frozen solid at her lack of dignity. Clorinde settled into the tub without wavering to the high temperatures. Delicate hands smothered the soapy water across her arms, her shoulders, and her neck. Clorinde’s fingers looked so nimble; thin and graceful as they stroked along the surface of her skin.

“I will take my leave now-”
“Stay.” Clorinde’s words had caused a breath to hitch in your throat. “Stay, won’t you?” She raised her head, tilting it just over the bath tub’s edge as if to enjoy the sensation of relaxation to the fullest extent. “I wanted your insight on a matter.”

“Of course, my lady.” You tried to pay no attention to the fact that the plump of her breasts were perfectly afloat atop the water’s surface and how a gorgeous sheen glistened over the skin.
“You recall the prophecy, yes? How the future of Fontaine and its people are at risk - I need your help in allowing me to relieve myself of stress, worries and fear of any sort.”

“...” You closed your eyes, empathetic of her attempt to reveal her true emotions yet pitied Clorinde for maintaining such professionalism even in a state of discomfort. “You don’t plan on doing anything dangerous, do you?”
“If I am not to return-”

“No, my lady, I won’t allow you to speak in such a way.” A heavy sigh escaped you, “Please instruct me with the confidence that you will return safe, just as you did earlier.”