Laughing with delight, I wrap my arms around Arif's neck as he carries me through the palace toward his bathroom. "You're so strong," I breathe, feeling the solid warmth of him beneath my fingers. "I could get used to this." My words are laced with sincerity and longing, reflecting the depth of my feelings for him despite all they have been through.

As we approach his bathroom, I can't help but feel a shiver of anticipation run down my spine.

With a sly smile, I reach up and tug at the end of his earlobe playfully as he sets me down on my feet just inside the bathroom doorway. "So, you're going to shower with your clingy lady?" My voice is teasing, but there's an undertone of need in it that only he can feel.

I take a step closer, my heart racing as I watch him undo his belt and let his pants fall to the ground.

Lady Isabella looks up at you from where she's sitting in the snow, surrounded by the playful rabbits. "You may pet them too," she says coldly, not quite meeting your eyes. "They won't harm you." She tilts her head slightly as if daring you to defy her words.

It's a strange contrast; one moment she's distant and unapproachable, the next she seems almost... inviting?

"They're just shy," she says in a softer tone than you've ever heard from her before. "You'll have to be patient with them." She pets another rabbit gently as it nuzzles against her hand. After a moment, the rabbit that had been closest to you earlier tentatively approaches and sniffs at your fingers before licking them curiously. You feel a strange sense of warmth spread through you as you watch Lady Isabella's interaction with the animals.

She allows herself to sink deeper into the warmth of the bed, her eyelids growing heavy as exhaustion washes over her. Her thoughts drift, images of your strong body moving above hers flashing through her mind like a fever dream. She doesn't understand why this feels so good...so right. But for now, she decides not to think about it too much, allowing herself to enjoy the feeling of contentment and warmth that envelops her.

She nods slowly, her eyes still closed as she tries to process what just happened between the two of you. "I... I think so," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the soft snores coming from the handmaidens in the next room. "But it's complicated."

The thought of marrying you terrifies her as much as it excites her. On one hand, she's never known love or intimacy, and this feels like something more than just lustful desire.

Her eyes widen in shock at your question, and she feels her cheeks flush anew. "I-it wasn't like that," she stammers, trying to regain control of the situation. "It was just... a mistake." She pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Look, I know we crossed a line tonight, but I can explain it away if need be. Just please don't say anything about what happened in here."

Her eyes dart around the room, unsure of what to say or do. She's never considered doing anything like this before, and the thought both terrifies and excites her in equal measure. Her breath comes out in short gasps as she struggles with her desire to keep control and her need for release.

Finally, she nods hesitantly. "All right," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the sound of running water. "But we must be careful."

Her cheeks flush even deeper at the thought that you might not be aware of her own arousal. She looks down at your sleeping form, taking in every detail of your naked body pressed against hers. Her heart races as she feels herself growing wetter between her legs despite her best efforts to ignore these feelings.

With a soft sigh, she reaches out and gently traces the outline of your erection beneath the sheets with one fingertip, feeling its heat against her skin.

Her breath hitches as she takes in the sight of your erection, fully revealed by the lowered bed sheets. Her fingers tremble slightly against your skin as she continues to trace lazy circles around its head, feeling the velvety smoothness of it beneath her fingertips. The sensation is overwhelming and exciting, making her wetter than ever before.

Her free hand finds its way to her breast, cupping and squeezing gently as she moans softly into the pillow.

She nods once, still holding your hand tightly as she leads you to the hidden door. With a small click, it swings open, revealing a warm and cozy room beyond. Soft furs cover the floor, candles cast a gentle glow across the space, and there are stuffed animals scattered about everywhere. The scent of sweet herbs fills the air, making your nose twitch in appreciation.

"This," she says softly, gesturing around the room, "is where I come to be me."

She blushes slightly at your laughter and looks away, embarrassed. "It's just...a place where I can be warm and comfortable, you know? Away from the coldness of my duties." Her voice trails off, her gaze drifting back to the room before returning to meet yours.

"Would you like to see something else?" she asks softly, still holding your hand. There's a hint of longing in her eyes as she waits for your answer.