Sweet Licorice

Chapter 6 - Squeaky Clean

EDITED//:

Stephanie's POV:

As we entered the grand foyer of the mansion, I was instantly greeted by the warm atmosphere, and also was immediately gobsmacked at the beautiful interior. Polished marble floors, sparkling chandeliers, incredibly wood carved arched doorways, and all kinds of paintings, statues and various collectables adding a luscious touch to the decor.

However I barely had time to register it in my brain, when the woman interrupts my thoughts by calling out to someone.

"Edie!" She calls out in a calm but stern tone, and I can hear the subtle but rapid click of high heels as a plump older woman walks in, dressed professionally in a maid uniform.

"Yes, Madame?" The old woman asks as her eyes fall to me, giving me a warm, comforting, smile.

"Have one of your staff run her a bath immediately, and be sure to use the new oils I got for her." She states, barely giving the woman a glance, her eyes remaining glued on me as I looked around.

"Right away, Madame." The older woman, Edie, nods before walking away. She returns a few moments later as a maid and bulter hurry upstairs to presumably prepare my bath.
"Would you like me to prepare her evening clothes in your room, Madame?" Edie asks.

"Yes that would be greatly appreciated, thank you Edith." The woman gives Edith a stern nod, before turning to stand in front of me.

"Follow me, and stay close." She says softly, walking towards a large staircase going up the second floor, turning back to ensure I was following, which I was.

I continued behind her as she walks down two hallways before finally coming to stop in front of two large black doors, red roses on vines painted on them daintily.

"This is our room," She says as she opens the door, revealing a very large, open layout bedroom, with a very beautiful black and red design, and I was beginning to feel that was her favourite colour combination. "And this is our bathroom."

She lead me over to the open door, revealing a black and red luxury bathroom, and I see the the maid and butler inside, one preparing the bath while the other was placing down towels for me. I felt slightly bad, seeing them doing all that work and knowing it was just for me.

"This is all.. very beautiful." I finally speak up, barely able to find the words to appreciate this place.

"I'm glad you think so, my dear." I could practically hear the smirk in her voice, obviously amused by my wonder. "So easily impressed.." She mutters to herself as she turns to face the staff.

"Quickly." She says, making them quickly finish up their tasks as I move closer to the bathtub. There were bubbles forming on the surface, steam rising from the tub, the smell of essential oils wafting up, it was all so inviting 
I couldn't resist as I reach a hand out, leaning down to gently dip it in the water.

As I do so, the thin material of my tunic had slid down to reveal my bare shoulder and from the butler's position he could see practically see inside the shirt through the neckline. I didn't even notice as he leaned in closer, as if trying to get a better look. But seemingly I didn't have to, because someone else noticed.

"Ehm." A voice clears their throat sharply, causing both mine and the butlers heads to snap up, looking at the woman. "You can get out now." She snaps, her eyes seemingly focused on him.

"Y-yes, Madame." Both of them say, before scurrying out of the bathroom, leaving me slightly confused as to what had happened.

With an impatient sigh, she watches as they leave, closing the door behind them, she steps forward to lock the door, appearing satisfied to finally be alone.