The next morning was quite interesting with two lovely women entangled in each other’s arms with the soft glow of the winter sun showing slightly through the shades. The room felt so warm and yet so dim as the log from the night’s fire was steadily going out after the fire dissipated over time. The night was filled with bliss, but did our two lovelies fully remember it after the libations they drank? Whatever will they think with one being married and the other being a sovereign of a province? Let’s find out.

Niya woke first with a slight headache and rubbing her eyes, trying to adjust to the morning sun as she looked a disheveled mess with so much of her hair looking very tossed and turned, yet her clothes were neatly folded on one of the chairs in the corner. She looked around so confused and then to her left was the dean…Natasia. Natasia? Oh…oh…Oh no…She tries not to look panicked but her words are lost in the sea of thoughts that erupt in her brain. She looks down at herself and realizes that she and Natasia are naked. Finally her anxieties spill over. She gasps out loud and quickly pulls the sheets up to cover herself. Not only did she most certainly sleep with her boss and friend…but there’s no way Natasia didn’t see the bruises all over her body.

Natasia rolls over to face her and her hands move over slowly to start searching for Niya, as she touches her hip softly, caressing up her back and then pulls her down in the bed on her chest.

Natasia sleepily with her eyes closed still: …Mmmm it’s still early, my darling…let’s go back to sleep…

Niya: Natasia…What…What happened? I-I mean I know…I…we…Natasia, Braxton has to be furious by now…!

Natasia still doesn’t open her eyes but she does stroke Niya’s hair softly: …he won’t hurt you anymore…I won’t allow him too…you…I…mmmm *she kisses the top of her head.* Are you hungry?

Niya: -she sits up and keeps herself wrapped in the sheets- Natasia…What…how can you think about food right now??

Natasia opens her eyes and sits up and looks at Niya and stares…then sighs: …I apologize…do you regret what we did last night? Did…you not enjoy yourself? 

Niya: -her whole face turns red as she remembers every single thing from last night and she hides her face in the sheets- I…I don’t! But…! Y-You’re my boss and I-I have a h-husband…I’m so confused right now!...I-I never even thought that you felt…That something like me could…and you…

Natasia stares at her and touches her face softly: Niya? Take a breath for me…

Niya: -she looks up at her with tears in her eyes- I just…I don’t understand…

Natasia shakes her head: I…I’m sorry…I…ummm…usually do this very differently. If you want to leave, I can…ummm arrange for you to be taken care of and a proper explanation along with money or some sort of gift for….your husband so he won’t be as furious. I can cover up any bruising…any scars…anything you need help with, I am here…unless you don’t want to be. 

There is a knock at the door and a faint voice.

The head maid calls from the door: My lady, the young master, he’s…ummm…

Natasia looks towards the door and sighs: Just…give me a second, thank you. *She looks at Niya with sadness and guilt in her eyes.* If you wish to leave…the head butler will help you heal your wounds or anything unseemly and take you in the town car. I…I’m sorry. *She stands up and puts her robe on, it's a beautiful night pattern with silk looking regal against her dark skin.* I am sorry…

She leaves quickly to go handle the pressing issue.

Niya: -she gets up quickly, holding the sheets around herself and grabs Natasia’s wrist- Wait please!...I…I don’t want to leave…I…hah I’m sorry my words aren’t coming out very well…

Natasia looks at Niya as she grabs her wrist and then holds her face in her hands and kisses her softly, for a long time: I…like you…if you want to stay, then please *She pulls a robe out in this beautiful green silk with Crossimer patterns.* wear this. I don’t want to force you into anything. I already feel like I accosted you for not being slower with this process however…things just got out of my hands.

Niya: -she shyly drops the sheet and puts on the robe, loving how soft it feels on her skin- We can maybe talk more…after you take care of whatever is happening…with your little one…

Natasia looks a bit shocked but then smiles: You heard or is it because she said the young master? I….am a bit particular with him…as no one but my staff has seen him and…Asmodeus.

Niya: I-I can stay here. Or close my eyes? -she chuckles quietly- Either way..my lips are sealed I promise.

Natasia gets close and leans down: Close your eyes, Niya…and I’ll lead you to the door of his room. I just get…nervous when others see him…but I trust you to be near him at the very least.

Niya: -she smiles softly and closes her eyes- He’s your child, I completely understand. I won’t open them unless you say so.

Natasia kisses her again and then moves behind her, opening doors and moving her down the hall and to her son’s room as they both hear crying: Okay wait out here and I’ll go attend to him. 

The head maid is in there already trying to rock him but he still is crying. Once Natasia comes in, the head maid gives him to her and she starts speaking in a low tone: Sebey what’s wrong? Are you hungry? You don’t need to be changed.

He still cries, his little face gets dark red from his fussiness as Natasia tries to rock him and comfort him to no avail.

Niya: -she gently cracks the door open but her eyes are still closed- Tasia?...Do you need help?

Natasia is still trying to rock him but sighs: …I may…he’s never been this fussy before and he’s not hungry…from what I can tell. Although, I wasn’t too big on breast-feeding.

Niya: Heh if you want to lead me in and sit me down, I can try?

Natasia leads Niya in slowly and sits her down in this really comfy rocking chair: Okay…you can try…although he hasn’t taken to anyone but me. *She slowly transfers Sebes over to Niya and watches cautiously.*

She knows Niya is an amazing woman but she still is very weary of anyone around her son. The people under her employ are from the court of Night so they know how to handle many royals but Natasia’s pregnancy was very…different so they had to try other methods.

Niya: -she gently takes Sebes and cradles him close to her chest so he can hear her heart beat. She gently starts rocking with him and sings him a soft lullaby in Baehalanian, one her mother used to sing to her when she was little and had nightmares. Within just a few minutes Sebes starts to calm down and even starts dozing off-

Natasia looks shocked but doesn’t say anything until she knows he’s asleep again and a few other staff have been watching from the crack of the closed door with such curiosity.

Murmurs signal from out in the hallway but as Natasia approaches, they all begin to leave and continue with their duties. She turns back towards Niya and smiles deeply: How did you learn to do that? I…really try to be more nurturing but I haven’t gotten the handle of it yet.

Niya: -she keeps her voice low and soft- He just wanted to feel close to someone, that’s all. Heh my Mother always sang us a lullaby when we were sad or scared so I thought maybe it would help…I’d always wanted to be a mother when I was younger.