CHAPTER 37

I got to Philadelphia some hours later, after so much galloping.

Everyone was stunned by my presence as I walked into the castle, with a saddening and angry look.

Iris, we didn't know you would arrive so early without any notice and we thought you would be escorted here by one or two Valet from Bulgaria "Clinton said breaking the silence that filled the room.

There insisted on bringing me here by a Valet with a chariot, but I insinuated on coming on my horse without any guide. I had been there for so long and was already feeling homesick "I said to avoid building up negative emotions against Bulgaria".

Ok but better still you shouldn't have come alone without the guidance of a guard "Duke Buckingham contributed".

I am a fine uncle and I know you are all worried but I'm a grown woman who led the kingdom to victory traveling a long distance without an escort shouldn't be bothered.

Avoiding any further discussion or interrogation, I walked out of the main quarters and headed to my rooms. Walking past the halls I noticed a lady dressed in an elegant wine dress embedded with royal embroidery sitting next to Lazarus.

Although I was curious to know more and to figure out if what my assumption insinuated were true, but didn't bother as I was so tired and had the need to freshen up.

I heard Bryanna's voice from behind as she called my attention but I didn't look back trying to avoid any eye contact and time-consuming discussion. I noticed some maids behind me along with my Lady's maid Avian.

Getting to my room entrance, stood two guards securing my room from intruders and uninvited visitors. They opened the doors noticing my presence as they saluted with serious faces making way for me to walk in.

Avian gave orders to two of the maids to get a mid-warm bath for me to soak in and she did the rest by taking off my clothes and sliding my hands through a silk bathrobe making me sit on the armchair before my vanity, as she went on to make my bed.

I sat still in anger at what I thought Lexar could have done that night but I still had alternative thoughts about the matter not fully sure of what to do.

I have heard many stories of what happens between a man and a woman beneath their sheets, but according to the stories, whichever woman had her first night with a man would feel a lot of pain during the process and will also find stains of blood on the sheets.

I sat with my hands continuously on my chin as I tried to gather all the elements and didn't notice any of those signs on me or the bed. But still, I didn't rest assured that nothing happened during that night considering what the maid back in Bulgaria said about Lexar spending the night in my room.

May I what has been on your mind "Avian asked noticing the worried look worn on my face through the mirror's reflection".

Avian do you mind me asking you a question, I said looking her straight in the eyes. Of course, you can princess Iris "she assured"

Can a woman have her first night with a man and not feel pain throughout the whole process "she was married with children of age younger and I knew she had answers to the question".

*she paused a little, looking stunned before finally replying* yes it does come like that sometimes while some women do not even bleed during their first time, it is partially normal but may I ask why you asked such a question? "Avian asked looking so curious".

Nothing I just felt like knowing "I said to avoid further interrogation".

Your bath is ready princess Iris "the two maids walked in informing me about the bath"

I took a long soak in the bath, ending all of my worries as Avian gave me massages around my body as I soaked in the wonderfully scented rose-covered bath.

I got out of the bath minutes after the long soak and was escorted to the room by avian in a cotton towel.

Entering the room, I met Bryanna already sitting on my bed waiting for me with a raging look. I was ready for whatever torment it was she had installed for me. not responding to her call earlier I should have known would lead to her excruciating anger.

Bryanna dismissed the maids including Avian as she got up from the bed and straightened her dress.

Bryanna, I know you aren't pleased with it, it is just that there has been something bothering me all through my trip, talking to anyone was the last thing I wanted to do "I said trying to avoid her rage".

You could have seized talking to anyone but me, so sit does any of your worries have something to do with Lexar? "she said then winked at me"

I hated the fact that she was right about Lexar having something to do with everything. Why do you always feel Lexar has something to do with everything "I said with my arms crossed".

Well does he "she said wearing a questioning look"