Chapter 289: The Girls’ Welcome (1) Affectionate Nights
Lyan entered his room, the familiar surroundings bringing a sense of comfort. The room had a certain warmth to it, filled with memories of his time at the House of Roses. He set his luggage down by the foot of the bed, removing his robe and cloak with a sense of relief. The weight of his travels lifted from his shoulders, and he felt the tension slowly begin to ease.
He moved with practiced efficiency, his hands deftly unbuckling his boots and setting them aside. As he pulled his tunic over his head, he heard a soft knock at the door. Turning, he saw Alina standing there, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. There was a shyness in her demeanor that was unusual for the normally confident woman.
"Alina," Lyan greeted, his voice warm. "Is everything alright?"
Alina nodded, stepping into the room and closing the door behind her. "Yes, everything is fine. The bath is ready for you." She paused, glancing up at him through her lashes. "I thought you might want to relax after your journey."
Lyan smiled, appreciating her thoughtfulness. "Thank you, Alina. That sounds perfect."
She led him through the halls, her steps light and graceful. The House of Roses was quiet at this hour, the bustle of earlier having given way to a serene calm. As they approached the giant bathing room, Lyan could hear the faint sound of water and soft laughter. Alina pushed open the door, and Lyan was greeted by the sight of Raine, Ravia, Belle, Xena, and Josephine waiting for him, their expressions a mix of excitement and anticipation.
The room was filled with steam, the warm water creating a haze that added to the intimacy of the setting. Candles lined the edges of the room, casting a soft, flickering light that danced across the walls. The women were already in the water, their bare skin glistening with droplets that caught the candlelight. They turned to him as he entered, their smiles widening.
"Lyan," Belle called out, her voice teasing. "We’ve been waiting for you."
Xena grinned, her eyes sparkling. "Come on in. The water’s perfect."
Lyan felt a rush of warmth at their welcome, his heart swelling with affection for these women who had become so important to him. He undressed quickly, the cool air a stark contrast to the heat of the room. As he stepped into the water, he felt the warmth envelop him, soothing his tired muscles.
Ravia moved to his side, her hands gentle as she guided him deeper into the bath. "Let us take care of you, Lyan," she said softly. "You deserve to relax."