Chapter 14

 Ana Sofia's heart breaks quietly at the slight fervor of excitement in Natalia's voice, how long has she been hoping for a moment like this? Perhaps she never thought it would come.

"Please it's the least I could do. " She said as she gently pulled Natalia into a soft hug her silver hair pooling around Ana Sofia's shoulders.

The room falls silent as they embrace, a moment of hope and joy in the midst of the looming war outside. But the moment is almost fleeting, as the reality of the situation quickly sets in. Ana Sofia pulls away, her face serious.

"We have much work to do. but..."

 Ana Sofia's voice trails as she ponders whether she should disrupt this heartfelt moment with her annoying urge to complete things as efficiently as possible. Nonetheless she decides she can hold back...at least for the next day or so.

"Is there anything I could do to offer you some comfort? I know it's not the castle but, anything you could think of?" She implored searching her new friend's eyes.

Natalia caught off guard by the question began to blush profusely as though she were afraid to embarrass herself by saying something wrong.

"Well. It has been years since I've had a warm bath." she awkwardly laughs. 

Ana Sofia's face softens at Natalia's request, "A warm bath, of course. We can have that arranged for you right away." She turns to Wesleynard, "could you make sure that Natalia has everything she needs for her bath?"

Wesleynard nods, a small smile on his face as he turns to Natalia. "Of course, my queen. I will see that the men get it ready right away." He offers her his arm, helping her rise from her seat. "Right this way." 

 As Wesleynard and Natalia leave the tent, Ana Sofia takes a deep breath and allows herself a moment of peace. The weight of the war and the responsibility of being a queen is heavy on her shoulders, but she finds solace in the simple act of granting Natalia a small request.

Maybe I'm not so horrible after all?

She thought to herself in the quiet moment in her tent. However, her ego soon came crashing down on her.

Right one good deed is not enough to make up for a lifetime of manipulation and scheming.

This is who she was and there was no argument or dispute that could tell her otherwise. She was so lost in her own mind she didn't hear Wesleynard enter the tent. She turned to find him looking at her with a soft knowing smile on his lips. Wesleynard approaches Ana Sofia, his movements strong and light.

"Would you also like me to prepare a bath for you, my Queen?" he says, his voice low and steady with an obvious teasing. 

She scoffs at him; the stress of the evening must've caused damage to his head "Don't worry about me how was Natalia?"

"I will always worry about you." He countered.

She didn't respond. Instead, she turned away and began writing on parchment as though he was just a noise passing in the wind. He sighed in a dramatic manner hoping to get her attention, but her eyes remained transfixed on her task. He gazed at her long black mane and the frizz that surrounded her like a halo. She must've ended up with it after a night in the woods. He could feel his hands twitch how desperately, he wanted to touch it. He had never seen her look disheveled, raw. His gaze moved down to her face her long lashes framed her dark eyes. They always seemed expressionless but, earlier he couldn't forget the flicker of comfort that swirled within them when he held her. He would treasure that for the rest of his life. He could stare at her for hours but, right now he was sure she was tired, hungry and in need of a soothing bath. He knew he had to answer her question first and he didn't mind. With Ana Sofia her way must always come first before she would consider cooperating with you. He would always bend for her even if it killed him. 

"She loved it." Wesleynard's voice cuts through the quiet tent, pulling Ana Sofia out of her thoughts.

She sets down her quill and turns to face him, her expression still unreadable. "She did? I'm glad." Her voice is clipped, but there is a hint of warmth behind her words. She glanced at him as he waited for her next words, "A bath does sound nice." She said in an agreeing tone. 

"I'll prepare one right away."

"Will you make sure it has my favorite essences and oh!....will you bring me some stew."

Wesleynard's face lights up at her request, his eyes shining with genuine happiness, "Of course, my queen. I will make sure it is to your liking."

He bows and begins to make his way out of the tent, but not before giving her one last lingering look. She's watching him. Her eyes almost cutting through him. He almost trips he recovers his balance; he gives Ana Sofia a sheepish grin.

"Almost lost my footing there, my queen," he says, still grinning.

He turns to leave, but not before Ana Sofia speaks up again. "Wesleynard, thank you," she says, her voice soft.

He could feel his knees buckle, what he would do to hear that over and over again. He bowed even deeper before meeting her eyes. She looked as regal as could be expected and he wondered if they could go back to the way things were before.

....Ah that's right Ralthone.

Wesleynard's smile fades slightly as he remembers the regent, Sir Ralthone.

He nods to Ana Sofia and says, "Of course, excuse me while I prepare your bath."

Ana Sofia watches as he quickly comes and returns with a fresh shimmering bath water. she watches the way he carefully measures the fragrances and oils before pouring them in the bath. He was always so delicate, seeing the way the petals and oils coated his large callous hands made her incredibly insatiable. 

Oh, please get your head right Ana

Wesleynard pours the last of the fragrant oils into the bath, the steam rising to create a delicate mist in the air. The scent of lavender and rosemary fills the tent, Ana Sofia feels a sense of calm wash over her. She takes a deep breath, savoring the aroma, before stepping into the bath. The water is warm and soothing, just as she likes it. Once she is alone, she relishes the warmth on her skin she moaned in pain. She hadn't realized how badly her muscles ached. As Ana Sofia sinks deeper into the bath, the warm water continues to soothe her tired mind. The water seemed to push away the pressing thoughts and worries she would have to face sooner or later but for right now those things could wait at least until tomorrow. She closes her eyes and lets out a sigh of contentment, feeling the tension slowly melt away from her body. The warmth becomes incredibly dizzying as she soon struggles to fight the sleep that begins overtaking her eyes.

I should at least scrub myself before falling asleep.

With a great effort, and reluctance Ana Sofia manages to prop herself up in the bath, reaching for the washcloth and soap that Wesleynard has left for her. She begins to gently scrub her skin, the rough texture of the washcloth and the slickness of the soap creating a satisfying friction against her tired muscles.

There we go much better,

After feeling fully satisfied with her cleanliness she mentally prepares herself for her body's warmth to fight against the rigid cold air the second she rises.

Alright, time to get up.

She sighs as she props her legs in front of her and lazily reaches for a drying garment. She reaches one leg and then two before rising out of the water. The cold seems to dry her out the second it comes in contact with her body.

Oh, lords move quicker!

She tries to quickly scramble out of the water when her leg catches the edge of the tub.

"SHIT!" With a yelp, Ana Sofia loses her balance and tumbles out of the bath, her body hitting the ground with a loud thud.

The sudden cold sends shivers down her spine, and she feels a wave of dizziness wash over her. She lies there for a moment, trying to catch her breath and steady her racing heart. The cold floor feels like ice against her skin, and she regrets her hasty decision to get out of the bath. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and pushes herself up into a sitting position. Her legs are shaky, but she manages to stand up, grabbing onto the edge of the bath for support. She almost wants to cry from frustration but, instead she laughs wildly at the situation, her laughter echoing in the tent. She takes a moment to collect herself, before reaching for the drying garment once more. This time, she takes her time, making sure to dry herself off thoroughly before attempting to put on her nightgown.

"You never cease to amaze yourself Ana. " She laughs quietly.