Scars

The Duke does as I asked, and he closes his eyes while I get rid of the dress. He reopens them only when he senses the water moving.

I turned my back to him so that he couldn't see anything, and I sat on the other side of the tub.

I don't want to be looked at, even though the Duke already saw everything. More than once. Still, it's too embarrassing, staying naked.

«Why are you sitting so distant?» he mutters.

I'm trying to use as little space as possible, while he's lying comfortably without paying attention to this folded Duchess. I can sense his legs on the sides, and he also leaned his arms on the border of the tub. He's using so much space.

«I don't want to bother,» I reply while looking for the sponge. Needless to say, it's in the Duke's hand.

«I can rub your back,» he proposes. His expression is kind and naive, but his words sound like a trap.