Cepheus gently raked his fingers through Bay's curls, enjoying the way his body fit against his perfectly.

He couldn't believe that he finally had his mate at his side. After spending most of his life alone, he never believed that we would experience the feeling.

With a sigh he ran his fingers down his clothed back before slowly moving the boy off his chest and onto the bed. He had some things to get in order before he could start his day.

After he finished changing into some black jeans and a t-shirt, he heard shuffling coming from the bed. He turned to see Bay stretch and mewl cutely as he began to wake up.

"Cepheus?" He murmured in confusion. He sat up abruptly when he felt that the vampire was missing.

"I'm right here my nymph."

Cepheus walked over to his mate and sat on the edge of the structure, prompting the smaller boy to immediately crawl over into his lap.

"I need to get some matters sorted before we can properly start the day. How about you take a nice long shower in the meantime? I'm sure you would enjoy that."

Bay furrowed his brows, unfamiliar with the term.

"Shower?"

Cepheus hummed and stood up suddenly, having Bay release a shocked squeal as he wrapped his legs around the vampire's waist.

He walked across the room and pushed open a door. Behind it was a few steps that led to tiled flooring which covered the entire bathroom. The space was huge. In the middle of the room against the wall was a large bathtub; it was big enough to easily fit 2 people of Cepheus' size. Right above it was a beautiful window that held a view of most of the territory.

In the farthest corner there was a rainfall shower that had more taupe colouring and had enough room for 3 grown men. Two sinks lined the opposite corner of the room to complete the suite.

"Everything you own is truly beautiful." Bay commented as he was set on his feet.

He was immediately drawn to the white ceramic tub that was lifted by silver claw feet.

"That's a bathtub. It's similar to a shower although you sit instead of stand."

"Oh, so a shower is like bathing in the falls of Phael"

Cepheus arched a brow but nodded nonetheless.

Bay's eyes gleamed in excitement at the prospect of using the beautiful structure and he looked back at Cepheus in question.

"Can I use it please?"

"Of course my love. I have to leave now but I'll send someone in to draw your bath."

The vampire kissed Bay's forehead, letting his lips linger for a few seconds. Pulling up, he caressed his bluish cheek.

"I won't be long."

Bay watched him walk up the stairs to leave the bathroom. A few seconds passed before he ran up after him. He was able to catch a glimpse of him leaving through the double doors, while also catching sight of 3 large men who shared a stern exchange with the King.

After the door shut completely he pouted and sunk to the floor. How long was he going to have to wait before Cepheus returned?

His thoughts began to wander to the previous night and he suddenly remembered his mother and friends. They must be sick with worry! The king did say that he would accompany him back home when the night had cleared but he couldn't help but feel guilt for prolonging their unease.

A short knock on the door had Bay shifting his eyes to the direction of the sound.

"I'm here to draw your bath sir." A soft voice said before a body was revealed.

A young girl maybe a few years his senior opened the door and stepped into the room.

She had chestnut brown hair that was twisted neatly into an up-do style. Freckles littered her cheeks and and big green eyes complemented her pale skin.

Her brows scrunched in concern when she saw the young boy on the floor.

"What's wrong sir? Are you hurt? The king will not be happy if you are not well. Oh my-"'

"I'm fine, I just decided to sit here while I waited for Cepheus." He said with a small giggle. "What's your name?"

"I'm Isobel sir. Now please, let me help you get to your bath."

Bay smiled and complied, following her into the bathroom.

"My name is Bay. And please don't call me sir, I'm certainly much younger than you."

Isobel returned the smile but didn't provide a response to his statement. She would definitely keep calling him sir.

She leaned over the ceramic structure and turned the faucet to let the water fill the tub. Shortly after she pressed a black stopper into the drain.

"How would you like your water sir?"

Bay's head was tilted as he watched the water dispense from the unfamiliar contraption. Water was his home, something he was most familiar with. And it was strange to see it in a way he never has.

"What do you mean?"

"The temperature. Would you like it on the warmer side or maybe you prefer a cooler bath."

Bay hummed in consideration. The water in his river was always warm. But he assumed that had to do with his body's acclimatization to the environment.

"Warm please."

"Do any of these please you?"

Bay turned his head to look at what she was referring to.

He gasped and his eyes sparkled in interest. She held a basket filled with multicoloured bath salts and powders. He was vaguely familiar with the salts as he did use similar ones to clean himself on the occasion. They were a fairly rare find and were used sparingly,
so seeing a bountiful amount was astonishing to him.

"Can I use the purple ones?"

Isobel smiled and pulled a mesh bag of purple bath salts from the pile. She poured a handful into the warm water and stirred it around a bit until they dissolved. They left a purple hue in the water that was slightly opaque.

"Do you need help getting in?"

Bay's eyes widened slightly and he blushed at the thought of undressing in front of a stranger.

"N-no I'm okay."

Isobel laughed.

"I'll turn around then."

Bay hurriedly slipped off his grey long sleeve and carefully stepped into the tub. He shuddered in content as the warm bath water licked his skin and his eyes closed in satisfaction.

He jumped slightly when a wet material was placed on his back.

"My apologies, I didn't mean to startle you."

"Is it normal for people to be given baths this way?" Bay asked. He found it strange that some preferred to be cleaned by others rather than do the act themselves. It seemed rather invasive.

"Only those of high standing." Isobel commented, continuing to clean his back with the rag.

She paused, mulling over her thoughts before she spoke.

"Who are you to his majesty." Her hands picked up their movements again, gentle circular motions were made over his chest.  "You don't have to answer that question of course. Actually, forget I asked."

Bay furrowed his brows as he processed her question. He knew that he was Cepheus' mate, or beloved as he liked to put it. Although he wasn't sure if he was allowed to disclose such information. To stay on the safe side, he decided against revealing his relationship with the King.

"I would have to ask permission from the King. I'm sorry Isobel."

The girl smiled and shook her head.

"No worries. I'm quite nosey at times."

After she finished, she poured some clean water over his hair to wet it, before using a mixture of sweet smelling soaps to shampoo the strands. Bay hummed as her fingers massaged his scalp. It reminded him of when his mother used to tend to him when he was a babe.

"All done." She announced after washing out the remaining soaps from his hair.

"I'll bring you a towel and some clothes to change into."

Bay thanked her and waited patiently for her return. Shortly after she came back down with the things she said she was going to retrieve.

"I'll give you some privacy." She announced before placing the items on a bench near the tub.

Bay smiled and waited for her to leave before drying himself off. He looked at the clothes skeptically. He had never worn more than his white shorts. Yesterday was the first time he had worn an item to clothe his top half.

The nymph grabbed the plush sweater gingerly. It was navy blue in colour and reminded him of his waters when the moon was high. He pulled the layer on and shuffled into some small shorts that he saw Cepheus wear under his pant the other night. Although his legs were barely covered by the sweater- it stopped just above his knees- he felt comfortable and didn't want to add any more clothes on his body.

"Can we go see Cepheus now?" He asked, as he surfaced from the bathroom.

Isobel shook her head in amusement.

"Sir, why won't you wear pants? And you need shoes of some kind to protect your feet."

Bay grimaced at the thought of covering his feet. They were always free; they needed to be since he was always swimming in the water. Covering them was unfathomable.

"Why can't I go like this?"

Isobel fidgeted with her fingers, unsure if she should push for him to layer up more or relent to please him. Ultimately it was only her job to serve him and if those were his wishes she would abide by them.

"Of course you can sir. My words were merely a suggestion."

Bay smiled widely and skipped over to wrap his arms around her in a hug.

"Thank you for everything."

The vampire stood stiff in his embrace before softening to his touch.

"Alright." She said after a bit, pulling from his arms. "The King put in an order for you to be fed. Although, His majesty didn't mention that I was permitted to take you to see him. I'm afraid I won't be able to do that."

Bay pouted and his bottom lip wobbled. He willed himself to make his eyes teary and his nose red. This trick always seemed to work on his mother.

"P-please"

Isobel looked frightened at his state and immediately tried to console the small nymph.

"Of course sir, I will absolutely take you to see him. I'm sure the King will understand. Now please don't cry."

Bay sniffled before lifting his over sized sleeve to dry at his wet eyes.

"Thank you so much Isobel. Now take me to fill my tummy please."