Chapter 55 - Embarrassment (1/2)

It was easier sneaking out than back in. Two sopping wet people left twin trails of water anywhere they went.

Al urged me forward by putting an arm around my back and pulling me with him after checking around corners to see if the coast was clear because I was still in a bit of a daze. Going out in frigid rain wasn't my best idea.

One of the servants that worked in Al's wing of the palace spotted us near the entrance of our bedroom and gaped at our sorry state.

Al gave no explanation. ”Prepare two baths.”

”Yes, Your Highness,” the maid said with a low curtsy before scurrying off to boil water.

Inside our room, Al hung our cloaks to dry and grabbed me by the shoulders before parking me in front of the fire.

I stripped off my damp stockings and wrung out the hem of my dress as best I could.

What I wouldn't give in that moment to be able to change into a warm, fleecy pair of pajama pants, fuzzy socks, and a sweatshirt.

”Here,” he said as he gingerly placed a blanket around my shoulders.

It was nice to have something dry so I shot him a grateful smile.

I moved my wet hair so it was on top of the blanket rather than sticking to my skin and gazed into the embers until a maid announced that the baths were ready.

”Uh…”

I stared at the dual bathtubs in this country's version of a bathroom that was connected to the bedroom by a door. Why were there two? There had only been one before!

”His Highness ordered two baths so we brought in a second bathtub, Your Highness,” the maid said simply.

Ah. Since getting married we had always bathed at different times of day so there was no need for more than one tub. Did she really not see any problem with this though?!

”Everybody out,” I ordered flatly.

”But Your Highness—”

”Out!”

Normally the maids insisted on helping me bathe but there was no way I would let them today. Not while Al was here.

My face was redder than the Flamin' Hot Cheetos I used to eat while studying for exams late at night to keep me awake.

I buried my face in my hands. ”You're laughing at me, aren't you.”

”No,” he said while clearly straining not to laugh.

Half a second later he couldn't take it anymore and cracked up so hard he had to hold his stomach for support. ”Your—face—!”