Not a duty

Untying my Queen turned out more difficult than restraining her. My knots were too tight, and the shawls left pink signs on her wrists.

Next time, I would be more careful. And also tie a ribbon, so that the knot could be undone with a single move.

«Does it hurt?» I asked while pecking on her skin.

She shook her head and lay in my arms.

«It's fine. There won't be anything visible tomorrow.»

«You're quite knowledgeable, my Queen. I believed this was the first time you did something like this.»

«Oh, it definitely was. But I know my skin well. This much isn't enough to leave a sign...»

«You're treating me as a task to fulfil,» I complained.

«My favourite task,» she chuckled.

«I don't want to be one. I was at fault when I requested you to stay with me every evening. I don't want to be a scheduled commitment. I want to be someone you visit because you want to.»

«But I do want to come here.»

«Really?»