As Kalythra and Rihira continued their slow, sensuous dance in the water, the air in the bath chamber was suddenly pierced by the sound of a sharp huff. Another servant, Marei, equally beautiful but with a more mischievous glint in her eyes, stood at the entrance, arms folded across her chest. Her skin was kissed by the sun, and her hair cascaded in waves down her back, a contrast to the smooth braids of Rihira.

Marei’s emerald eyes narrowed as she watched the intimate scene unfolding before her. The jealousy she had been keeping in check simmered just below the surface, spilling over in the form of a stomp of her foot. She tilted her head, pouting slightly as she spoke.

“Princess, do you really prefer Rihira over me?” Her voice was playful, but the hint of jealousy was unmistakable.

Kalythra’s lips curled into a wicked smirk, amused by the interruption. She let her arms rest loosely around Rihira’s waist as she turned her head slightly to address Marei. Without releasing Rihira, Kalythra’s gaze slid over Marei, her eyes dark with intrigue. 

“Come in,” she ordered, her voice soft but filled with command. 

Marei’s pout disappeared instantly, replaced by a wide grin. With a girlish giggle, she quickly began to undress, her nimble fingers pulling at the loose ties of her garments. One by one, her robes fell to the floor until she stood bare before Kalythra, her body every bit as graceful and captivating as Rihira’s.

Without wasting a moment, Marei climbed into the bath. The water splashed slightly as she leapt in, rushing towards Kalythra and Rihira with eager energy. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, but as she hurried across the wet tiles, her foot caught on Rihira’s extended leg.

She stumbled forward with a yelp, her arms flailing as she tripped over Rihira’s foot. But Kalythra, with her reflexes as sharp as ever, caught Marei easily before she could fall face-first into the water. 

The moment was brief but charged—Kalythra’s hands holding Marei’s waist, her body pressed close as the princess steadied her. Kalythra raised a curious brow, momentarily suspicious of the clumsiness, but she didn’t bother with it. Instead, she leaned in, her lips brushing against Marei’s. 

“I find it curious,” Kalythra murmured, placing a soft, teasing kiss on Marei’s lips, “that you stumbled.” Her voice was laced with amusement. She lingered for a moment, savouring the feel of Marei’s soft lips before pulling away slightly, her smirk returning. “But instead of being jealous, why don’t you both please me tonight?”

The challenge hung in the air, dripping with both danger and desire.

Rihira, still standing close, tightened her grip around Kalythra’s waist as she heard the princess’s words. Her jaw clenched, a flicker of jealousy flashing in her eyes. She always prided herself on being Kalythra’s favourite, her most trusted and cherished. But now Marei had entered the picture, her giggles and boldness drawing Kalythra’s attention. Rihira’s eyes narrowed slightly as she looked over at Marei, who was smiling in smug victory.

Marei, feeling the intensity of Rihira’s gaze, turned to face her fellow servant, her expression playful but with a sharp edge. She lifted her chin slightly, the corners of her lips curling upward. The silent challenge between them was set, and they both knew it. Tonight wasn’t just about pleasing their dark, powerful princess. It was about proving who could do it best.

Sensing the tension between the two, she leaned back slightly to observe them both, her smirk widening. It was entertaining to watch the rivalry that simmered between her servants. It fueled her own power, their devotion feeding her like a secret fire.

Without another word, Rihira and Marei exchanged a competitive glance. Each of them was determined to be the one who would earn the princess’s favour tonight. Neither would back down.

The water around them lapped softly at their skin as the room seemed to close in, the air thick with anticipation. Kalythra’s smirk deepened as she reclined into the bath, waiting to see who would make the first move.