How else could I possibly describe the situation, if not with the plain truth? [This sentence has been trimmed to comply with platform content policies; the unabridged wording appears in the published edition.] Try as I might to avert my gaze, I found it impossible to resist.

  [This sentence has been trimmed to comply with platform content policies; the unabridged wording appears in the published edition.] She was a joyful creature, barely on the cusp of womanhood, her slight frame moving with a carefree grace as she frolicked about. Her long, tawny hair fell in a cascade down to the small of her back, the curls straightened by the weight of water, each strand dancing and swaying with her every step, her smile lighting up the room with an almost otherworldly glow.

  The youngest of the de Irchard sisters was but a petite waif, her slight frame owed not merely to the bloom of youth. Princess, after all, had scarcely changed since she had been Rascal’s age—or so my defective eyes believed. Though many a Lady might covet the possession of more generous attributes, true beauty was seldom defined by excess. Rascal’s understated features presented a vision of loveliness, subtle yet undeniable.

  “Come, Aufelia! Hurry!” she invited me, waving a delicate arm.

  Yet I stood motionless, ensnared by the enchanting contours of her figure, a beacon in the shadows that left all else obscured. [This sentence has been trimmed to comply with platform content policies; the unabridged wording appears in the published edition.] She walked towards me, her smile never faltering, her every step a performance.

  “Are you done staring at me? You’re acting weird,” she teased with a playful grin. She took hold of my arms, moving them as she pleased, reducing me to something pliable in her hands. “I’m getting cold. Take those off already so we can get in!”

  [This sentence has been trimmed to comply with platform content policies; the unabridged wording appears in the published edition.] I scarcely realized until she had removed Princess’s clothing entirely, her insistent yet gentle tug guiding me towards the waiting bath.

  “Are you sure you’re feeling alright, Aufelia?” Rascal asked as I entered the tub, momentarily breaking free from the spell I had been under. “You’re acting like you’ve never seen me before.” She joined me, settling into the oval-shaped container. Though designed for a single occupant, the lithe bodies of the sisters made it possible for both to fit comfortably, one at each end. “Is that it? Are you seeing me in a new light? You are, aren’t you? You’re thinking about painting me like this. I just know it,” she continued, her teasing tone softening.

  The soothing warmth of the water began to rouse me, melting away the haze that had clouded my thoughts and restoring a semblance of clarity to my mind. “My apologies, Riatna,” I managed to speak at last. “I was momentarily taken aback. Somehow, I had forgotten that you are developing into something truly beautiful.”

  That brought a wider smile and a slight blush to her face. “Flattery will get you nowhere; I still won’t do it!” she giggled. “I’m not going to stand for you without clothes for who-knows how long that cold room, so don’t bother asking! And what is this about me being beautiful? Tsk, tsk, Aufelia. When ‘The Prettiest Flower in Irghumin’ says it, it kind of doesn’t mean anything. Are you making fun of me?”

  ‘The Prettiest Flower in Irghumin’ was a title of which Aufelia was distinctly proud, bestowed upon her by none other than Lady Coroscina de Tobascin-Arcines, an actual Princess of royal lineage. Though Lady Corosina had long since entered her twilight years, in her youth, she had been a vision of striking beauty, the memory endured as the stuff of legend. Her Highness, a self-proclaimed seeker and connoisseur of beauty, had declared herself an admirer of Aufelia de Irchard during a visit last year. That visit, though meant to be a momentous occasion, had ended in catastrophe.

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  The hostilities that had arisen between my family and Lady Coroscina’s brother, Prince Oncherto, were an unfortunate consequence of failed negotiations, yet Her Highness had indeed met with Princess. The title of The Prettiest Flower in Irghumin had only served to swell Princess’s pride when she was ranked above Lady Coroscina’s own granddaughters in the presence of my father’s court. Perhaps the honor would have carried more weight if not for the fact that Prince Oncherto had developed a deep-seated disdain for the Cafligen, following a disagreement over my sister’s dowry. As it stood, I had little confidence that Lady Coroscina would be singing the praises of Princess throughout the realm.

  “Then allow me to rescind my previous statement,” I quipped. Now that Rascal’s form was partially obscured by the steaming water, my faculties began to return. “You are as ugly as a mole. I was merely surprised to find that you were human beneath your clothes.”

  “Oh, hilarious, Aufelia,” Rascal pouted, folding her arms across her chest in mock indignation. The sight nearly drove me to fits of laughter.

  “But in all seriousness, you are truly lovely, Rascal,” I pressed on, my tone more sincere. “If you do not believe me, you might inquire of the nobles who marvel at the beauty behind the portrait. Once I finish it this evening, we can request it be displayed prominently. Who knows? Perhaps it shall attract you a fine suitor.”

  “So, you’ll keep painting it? That’s wonderful!” she exclaimed, her excitement evident as she scooted closer to me in the tub. “I’m still so upset that Fermina won’t believe you did. You should paint her next, just to prove it.”

  The mere thought of using Fermina as a model nearly sent me into another daze akin to watching Rascal undress. The happy girl used my silence to her advantage, positioning herself against me, her back resting against my front. Her head found a pillow in the softness of Princess’s chest—a sensation I found curiously inviting. [This sentence has been trimmed to comply with platform content policies; the unabridged wording appears in the published edition.]

  Rascal closed her eyes. “I know you don’t like me doing it, but can we stay like this for a while?” she timidly asked. “I did take care of you all day, ran to get you everything you needed. I’m a little tired,” she cleverly coerced.

  [This sentence has been trimmed to comply with platform content policies; the unabridged wording appears in the published edition.] She drifted off to sleep almost instantly.

  “Enjoying yourself, taking advantage of my sister? I hardly know what to say to you anymore,” came Princess’s accusing voice. With Rascal now motionless, the water stilled, providing a reflective surface.

  “It is merely innocent contact, something she sought herself. There is nothing untoward in this,” I defended myself in a hushed tone.

  “Oh, spare me. You should know better than to lie to me,” Princess lividly seethed. “Do you think I don’t know? That I can’t feel it? Dubart, you’re a danger to her. Even now, we’re… you’re fighting an urge to touch her inappropriately… to kiss her!” she said, but she had to be mistaken. “Do you know what a terrible thing it would be for Riatna if she was… abused by her own sister? T-take my hands off her! Now!”

  “She placed them there herself! I am merely holding her! I do not intend to wake her!” I protested, certain that my motives were pure. This was nothing more than an innocent expression of affection.

  “I thought I only had to be careful around Fermina, but Riatna, too? What is wrong with you, you perverted cripple?” she insulted my honor. I would never allow any danger to befall to either. “Don’t you make more stupid excuses; I know you’re enjoying it. Get up, march out of the water this instant, and put my clothes on!”

  I had grown weary of her baseless accusations when, in truth, I was the passive participant in this interaction.

  “No,” I stated simply, my decision resolute.

  “No? What do you mean by ‘no’? That is my body, you ass! You can’t do with it as you please!”

  “I can, and I shall,” I replied, acknowledging the unvarnished reality. “I shall return your body to you, expelling my soul in the process and thus ensuring my demise. I shall sacrifice myself for you, Princess. But until that time comes, cease interfering with my affairs and allow me to savor the small remnants of life I have left. Now, if you would excuse me, I would love a nap.”

  “Dubart! You listen here, O, Lord of Cripples! Dubart!”

  But I closed my eyes, rendering further conversation impossible.

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