Chapter 5: Drawn by the Steam.
Salviana moved towards the four poster curtained bed and laid down on the massive surface, her legs dangling over the edge. The cool fabric beneath her felt strangely comforting in this unfamiliar space. She gazed up at the ceiling, dark wood carved into intricate patterns that seemed to twist and move in the flickering candlelight.
With a soft sigh, her eyes drifted to the lone lily in the corner of the room. Standing tall, its delicate white petals unfurled gracefully, shimmering softly in the candlelight like a beacon of purity amidst the shadows. The flower's robust stem and verdant leaves spoke of resilience, while its fragrance filled the air with a sweet yet subtle aroma, offering a strange comfort in the otherwise sombre space.
What purpose did it serve here, in a place so devoid of warmth? It felt like a survivor in a sea of death.
Her thoughts wandered back to the door he had entered moments ago. What lay beyond it?
She hadn't seen much of the chambers yet, but a strange pull urged her to uncover its secrets.
Was it something private?
Something dangerous? Everything about him felt dangerous.
Another sigh escaped her, the weight of her uncertainty pressing down on her. Should she avoid him tonight? Or should she try to understand him, unravelling the mystery of her new husband? Her thoughts tangled into knots. She knew she couldn't keep avoiding him forever, but the idea of what the night might bring terrified her.
Would they consummate the marriage? Her cheeks flushed at the thought, anxiety knotting her stomach.