A Life of Royalty

King Erian and his wife returned to the queen's chambers,both chatted amiably, their earlier awkwardness forgotten. They laughed and joked, their conversation flowing easily.

Once inside, the king took a seat, while Lili reclined on the bed. With a gentle bid of goodnight, the king wished her a peaceful slumber.

King Erian bid her goodnight, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "Sleep well, my queen. May your dreams be sweet."

Lili smiled, feeling a sense of belonging she hadn't expected. "Thank you, my king. May yours be too."

The next morning, Lili woke up to find the king's side of the bed empty. She stretched, yawned, and sat up, looking around the lavish chamber. Two maids entered, curtsying low.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," they chimed in unison. "We are your personal maids, Emma and Susan. We'll be attending to your needs from now on."

Lili smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thank you, Emma and Susan. Where is the king?"

Emma spoke up, "His Majesty has returned to his own chambers, Your Majesty. This room will be your quarters and chamber, and—"

Lili's eyes widened, a pang of loneliness striking her. "And the king won't be sleeping here with me?"

Susan hesitated before speaking, "Only on nights when the king desires his wife's company, Your Majesty. It's a tradition in the palace."

Lili's mind raced, her thoughts a jumble of emotions. How could the king not want to sleep with his own wife every night? Didn't he find her attractive? The thought of that consummation night, still to come, sent shivers down her spine.

As the maids helped her get ready for the day, Lili couldn't shake off the feeling of isolation. The palace she had once admired now felt like a cold, lonely place. She wondered if she would ever find her place in this grand, yet daunting, new world.

"Are you ready for the day, Your Majesty?" Emma asked, curtsying.

Lili yawned, stretching her arms. "Yes, I suppose. But first, could you show me to the bathroom? And I'd love some new robes to wear."

Susan smiled. "Of course, Your Majesty. But first, we need to attend to your feet."

Lili's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "My feet?"

Emma and Susan exchanged a glance, then Emma spoke up. "It's a palace tradition, Your Majesty. We wash the queen's feet as a sign of respect and to ensure her comfort."

Lili's face scrunched up in disbelief. "Wash my feet? But...why?"

Susan hesitated. "It's a custom, Your Majesty. All queens before you have had their feet washed by their maids."

Lili's initial refusal was instinctive. "But I can wash my own feet! And what about privacy?"

Emma's expression was gentle. "We understand, Your Majesty. But this is a symbol of our service to you. And we promise it will be a gentle and soothing experience."

Lili's resistance slowly faded, her curiosity piqued. "Well, if it's a tradition...okay. But make it quick!"

The maids smiled, relieved, and brought in a beautifully crafted bowl filled with warm water and fragrant herbs.

Lili hesitated for a moment, then lifted her foot, allowing Emma and Susan to begin their gentle ministrations. As they washed and massaged her feet, Lili's tension melted away, replaced by a surprising sense of relaxation and indulgence.

After attending to her feet, the maids carefully dried and massaged them, before escorting her to the opulent royal bathroom, conveniently located just a short distance from her chambers. The palace bathroom was a marvel of luxury, adorned with gleaming marble and polished silver fixtures. A sturdy wooden bathtub, adorned with intricate carvings, sat atop a dais, surrounded by plush towels and fragrant oils. The maids had already prepared the bath, filling the tub with warm, crystal-clear water, scented with rose petals and lavender. With a gentle gesture, they invited Lili to enter, ensuring her comfort and relaxation.

Lili sank into the warm bath, feeling her muscles relax and her mind unwind. After a refreshing soak, she asked for the robe she had requested earlier. Emma and Susan presented her with a delicate inner wear set, which she donned with a giggle.

"This might be fun to wear around the palace," she said, twirling around.

The maids exchanged a knowing glance, then Susan spoke up. "Actually, Your Majesty, we have your royal robes ready."

They presented her with a stunning ensemble, intricately embroidered and adorned with gems. Lili's eyes widened as they helped her into the robes, carefully adjusting the fit and draping.

As they combed her hair and slipped soft socks onto her feet, Lili felt a transformation taking place. The maids then guided her feet into elegant shoes, and she gazed at her reflection in wonder.

"Is this what royalty is like?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Emma smiled. "This is just the beginning, Your Majesty. You are a queen, and you will be treated as such."

Lili's heart swelled with a mix of emotions – excitement, gratitude, and a hint of trepidation. She was still getting used to this new life, but with Emma and Susan by her side, she felt more confident to face whatever lay ahead.

Lili turned to Susan and Emma, her eyes wide with curiosity. "What am I supposed to do now?"

Susan smiled. "We'll show you around the palace, Your Majesty. You'll meet the staff and see the various departments."

Emma added, "We'll start with the cloth-making hall, then head to the kitchen, the medicine room, and finally, the physicians' quarters."

As they walked through the palace, Lili was greeted by bowing staff members, all welcoming her with joy. In the cloth-making hall, she saw weavers working on intricate fabrics. In the kitchen, the aroma of roasting meats, fried chicken and fresh bread wafted through the air, making her stomach growl with hunger.

Ignoring the greetings from the cooks and servers, Lili rushed to a platter of fried drumsticks, her eyes fixed on the crispy treat. She picked one up and took a bite, her eyes widening in delight.

Susan and Emma exchanged glances, murmuring softly. Some of the staff stifled small laughs, charmed by the queen's unbridled enthusiasm.

As they continued the tour, Lili's excitement only grew. She sampled dishes in the kitchen, asked questions in the medicine room, and even peeked into the physicians' quarters, where she was greeted by friendly faces and respectful bows.

Throughout the tour, Susan and Emma watched over her, ensuring she felt comfortable and at ease in her new surroundings. And Lili, still getting used to her royal status, reveled in the wonder of it all, her heart full of joy and her senses full of the palace's delights.