Chapter 12: A Blonde Female Shifter
Ren shook her hands, smiling at the girl. "Please, don't worry about that. I don't know anyone here. You're the first person I've met. It's not a big deal, though."
Gloria, who was almost as pale as the curtains, let out a relieved breath and pointed to the bathroom. "Before you arrived, I was ordered to prepare the bath. Please, let me bathe you."
Ren's eyes widened. She had always washed her body alone, never allowing anyone to see her naked. Was it customary here for the maids to bathe their mistresses?
"I appreciate the offer, but if it's alright, I can manage on my own."
The girl's panic returned, and she shook her head frantically. "My Lord wouldn't approve if we shirked our duties. Please, let me tend to you if you want me to be your maid."
Ren hesitated, unsure. Would they truly chastise her for something so trivial?
"Please, calm down," Ren said softly. "I'll let you do it." She didn't want to cause any trouble.
As Gloria applied herbal oil and lavender soap powder to a sponge in the bathroom, Ren's thoughts drifted to the rumors she'd heard about Thegara. Humans weren't welcome here, were they? Were they mere playthings for the shifters? How much of it was true?
Perhaps this girl knew.
"How long have you lived here, Gloria?"
The maid blushed as her Lady spoke to her. Ren was so quiet, so serene, that it made her nervous. Was she displeased with her? But to Gloria's surprise, the princess wanted to know more about her. Hope flickered in her heart.