For three days, storms and fierce winds battered the camp. No one ventured outside unless absolutely necessary.
But for Demian and Valerie, the world beyond their tent seemed to vanish, they spent the days wrapped together beneath blankets, losing themselves in each other's warmth.
Nearly three days passed with barely a moment spent outside the covers, except when Valerie, with playful insistence, begged to bathe, claiming her skin felt sticky.
Now, they found themselves soaking together in the steaming bath, mist curling in the air.
Demian was due to meet the Crown Prince and the Emperor, strategy and counterattack would be discussed soon. But before that, he wanted one last lingering moment with Valerie.
"Don't touch," Valerie pleaded as Demian's hand drifted lower under the water.
"Why not?" Demian asked, mischief glinting in his eyes.
"Because you won't stop if you start," Valerie replied, her voice both shy and teasing.
