Isabella woke up early in the morning, her head resting on Richard's chest. " I now know what it feels like to be hungover. Oh by the creator ... ". Her head felt like it was going to explode, each of her heartbeat was sending an intense pain in her temples. " I need a bath ". As gracefully and discretely possible that her hungover state allowed her to, she made her way upstairs to wash herself. Thanks to the force of habit she created warm water to fill her bath and let out a sigh of relief as she immersed her sore body in it. As she let herself sink into the bath, memories from last night resurfaced bits by bits. " I can't believe I was so bold, but he didn't reject me. What if he doesn't want me anymore because I was bad at it? Should I wake him up by trying it again? But what if he thinks I'm a depraved girl? Oh by the creator why are relations so complicated ... "

  After a while, Richard woke up but decided to keep his eyes closed. He was not feeling Isabella next to him, he himself was slightly hungover from last night. After a while, he heard footsteps right next to him and felt feminine hands slowly caressing his face. Still with his eyes closed he started to speak.

  " I'm glad that after last night you still seem ok to approach me. Maybe you will want to do it ag- "

  Richard got cut off by lips softly pressing themselves against his. This kiss seemed more aggressive than what Bella used to do. It felt more animalistic. Richard finally opened his eyes, his vision was blurry but he still noticed something was wrong.

  " What the f- "

  " TALIA! Get off him right now before I roast you! "

  Richard was now blinking and his vision cleared up, Talia was sitting on him with a mischievous smile on her face. Still on him she turned to look at her enraged friend.

  " Oh come on Rubyyyyyyy, can't we share him? " Her hand slowly went from his abs down to his pelvis, she bit her lips as she felt his manhood. " There is enough for both of us, I can feel it. "

  " Talia I'm gonna count to three ... "

  " Ok ok I get it! "

  Giving up, Talia got up and decided to sit on a chair crossing both her arms and her legs.

  " You apparently had so much fun that you forgot you had an appointment with me today. "

  Isabella blushed due to a mix of anger and embarrassment. " Why this morning of all days? "

  " Just give me my articles Talia. "

  " Alright alright grumpy queen! "

  As the ladies were attending their affairs, Richard sat down on the bed, observing Isabella. As always she let the cold air enter her home by opening both of her windows. She was wearing a white shirt and brown leather pants. Even in the most simple apparel she looked beautiful. Noticing his staring she ended up walking towards him.

  " Are you alright Richard? "

  " I was just looking at you, you already look so beautiful in the morning."

  Her heart skipped a beat when she heard him say those words, her joy quickly faded as Talia started making what could be translated as seductive purring noises.

  " You two are so cute! "

  " Shut up Talia! Just put what I asked on the table! "

  " As you command my queen ahah! "

  Seeing how embarrassed she was, Richard stood up and simply gave her a morning kiss. It was so short yet so intense. She felt his will to make her feel better through it.

  " I'm gonna go wash myself, I will let you ladies catch up. "

  " Ok.."

  He then walked away and smiled at her before disappearing upstairs. His smile, his usual charming smile. Even tho it was a winter morning, her heart was as warm as the sun. Still lost in her thoughts, she did not realise that Talia was waiting on her.

  " Bel'? Was it that good that you are still thinking about it? "

  " Yes ... "

  Realising she had just answered, she quickly corrected herself.

  " I mean no! "

  " So it wasn't good? "

  " No that's not what I said! "

  " So it was good or it was not good? "

  " It does not concern you AT ALL! "

  Tilting her head to the side, Talia sat back down on her chair and gave a sign to Bella to sit too.

  " Come on Bel', you know you can tell me anything! I may even be able to help. "

  Resigning herself, Bella huffed in annoyance and sat down.

  " It was great, I never felt that good but the thing is that I don't remember much of it ... "

  " I always knew you were going to be a lightweight ahah! "

  " Can you stop mocking me for a second? "

  " I cannot, what would my life be if I could not make fun of my best friend after she finally opened her flower to someone? "

  " I just wish I remembered more than the sensations... I don't remember what I said exactly or how I acted or if I was good at it. "

  " Well the solution is easy. "

  Waiting for the answer, Isabella tilted her head to the side.

  " Just ask him how it was for him. "

  " I could never! "

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  " Bella, you are together! You can talk about those things, unless I misread the situation and I can still borrow him ... "

  " No you cannot!! "

  " Dang it! Well I tried my best. "

  Isabella paused to think about what she was about to say.

  " I ... I don't know if I can say that we are really together, it happened fast you know. It just happened really, one day he was a stranger I met a few times, then he slept in my home and now he sleeps with me. It scares me Talia, I never had that kind of relation with anyone that fast ! What if .. what if it stops as fast as it started? What if he just has no interest in me anymore all of a sudden? What if he - "

  " Stop! With 'what ifs' we could rebuild the whole world and make the creator blush! Stop worrying and just enjoy it, I get a good feeling from him. The way he looks at you is something pure. " Talia marked a slight pause, reaching forward, she put her hand on Isabella's. " Maybe he will be able to give you what I never could. "

  " You did what you could, I was just not as mature as I thought I was and I needed time for myself Talia, it was not your fault. "

  The two friends smiled at each other. Their moment got interrupted by a knocking on the door.

  Talia looked at her friends with a look full of surprise and worries.

  " Since when do you take appointments this early?

  " I don't but I have a feeling I know who it is. "

  She stood up and walked towards her door, she would recognize this heavy knocking. When she opened the door she was greeted by the giant Markok.

  " Good day my lady herborist, sorry to disturb you so early in the morning but the duchess collected all of the needed ingredients that you asked of her. "

  " Morning, well I can go to the castle probably later in the morn- "

  " This won't be necessary she came herself as she wanted to have a discussion with you. "

  As he said that, Olivia stepped out from her cab. Looking as noble as usual, she was wearing a poofy black dress with the golden apple insignia on her left hip. She was already glaring at Isabella from afar. Slightly picking up her dress, she started walking towards the house. Peeking from over her friend's shoulder, Talia let out a whistle of admiration.

  " Damn Ruby! You have to introduce me to this one! "

  " Trust me you don't want me to. "

  Markok let out a small chuckle.

  " My lady will have you whipped if she heard you, so remain calm while she does her affair with your friend. "

  " What makes you think I don't want her to whip me? "

  Markok could not manage an answer to this disturbing phrase and simply remained silent as his lady was now closer. As she stood before Isabella, she slightly bowed and the herborist bowed in return. Talia simply smiled and winked at her. Olivia simply ignored the gesture and walked past her. Already used to it, Markok closed the door and started his guard duty. Olivia was judging the interior of the house again. " So unsanitary ew ". As she did previously she took out a small handkerchief and put it on a chair.

  " As per usual your hosting abilities are as bad as they can be Isabella. "

  " And like I told you the last time, if you come to my home unannounced this is how you shall be received. So do you have everything? "

  Isabella and Talia both sat down on the other side of the table.

  " I do, but mind your words, who knows if I might feel vindictive once I don't need you anymore. "

  " Yeah sure. "

  Olivia took out two small vials filled with droplets of blood and two strands of hair in a tissue. She then handed both things to Bella who inspected both items.

  " As you asked of me I provide you with my blood and my husband's blood and a strand of our hair. "

  " Perfect."

  " So when can you make this ... product? "

  Isabella paused and saw a light in the duchess eyes.

  " I can make it now if you are willing to sit through the process. "

  " Absolutely! "

  While Isabella was getting everything ready, the duchess was trying to avoid Talia's gaze that was fixed on her. " Why is this woman staring so much? I hate common folks and their lack of social boundaries. ". As if Talia had heard her thoughts, she stood up and started walking around the table to sit right next to her. Then as nonchalant as she always was, leaned to rest her head on the Duchess's right shoulder. Not knowing what to say or how to answer to this display of sudden affection, the duchess stood as still as a statue.

  " Hummm excuse me ... could you .. not lean on me? Please? "

  " But you smell so nice and your dress is so soft! Could I try it on? "

  The duchess was shocked by the boldness of the little woman.

  " You may absolutely not! "

  " Come on, just take it off real quick and I see if I can fit! I find no cute clothes that fits me! "

  " Well ... well it's none of my concern! Now move away please."

  Slightly annoyed, Talia stepped away but then decided to go further. She was feeling something from the duchess. Without looking at her she began her analysis.

  " You seem troubled, you like someone but you don't know if they like you back. You are filled with desire. " Seeing that she captivated her, Talia kept going. " And you have nowhere to release all this pressure, all these responsibilities. You are tired of being in control. "

  As she said that, Talia gently put her hand on the duchess throat and slightly squeezed. She was now staring into the eyes of the duchess and kept talking while maintaining eye contact.

  " Yes ... you crave for someone to take control for you, you are tired of being the one making the decisions. You want someone to guide you, you want a master. "

  Still hypnotised by the monologue of Talia, Olivia didn't even notice her other hand caressing her leg. Her heart was now beating faster. " What is this woman doing to me? I can't stop her, maybe she is right .. "

  Finally Isabella broke the trance and put the potion on the table.

  " Here it is, Talia, stop trying to charm all my guests! "

  Finally snapping out of it, Olivia blinked a few times and looked at Isabella with a look full of surprise. She then turned to lecture the young woman about her behaviour but once again got caught off guard as Talia suddenly brought her face closer and quickly gave her a small kiss to the greatest displeasure of Isabella.

  " Talia! "

  " What!? She obviously didn't mind! "

  Trying to regain her composure, Olivia rearranged a strand of her hair that was out of place and quickly took the potion Isabella just made. She then grabbed out of her pouch a few gold coins.

  " I believe this will cover the cost. "

  Isabella counted in silence the number of coins the duchess gave her and simply nodded. Ready to exit this filthy place, the duchess stood up and took her handkerchief from the chair she was on.

  " I would not say it was a pleasure to have worked with you. " She paused. " But thank you. "

  As she said that, she heard steps behind her, someone was coming downstairs. She turned around to discover a view she had only hopes of seeing in her dreams. Richard was just done with his bath and was getting downstairs shirtless. All four of them stood there in an awkward silence. Trying to break the silence, Richard decided to greet the duchess.

  " Good morning Olivia, I believe you had some business with Isabella."

  She took a few seconds to answer, her mind was working faster than ever. " Why is he here? Why is he shirtless? What is their relationship? Why is he shirtless?! "

  " Richard, what a coincidence! I'm glad to see you are coming to see one of the best to find products to heal. Do you need my cab to go back into the city? I would love to hear the details of your last job! "

  " I would love to but I'm going to have to refuse, I still have some business with the herborist and it will take some time. "

  She turned around to look at Bella. Trying to stay calm, the herborist simply nodded in approval.

  " Well yes we already met a few times and he needed some of my medical knowledge, do you need anything else? "

  " No, I shall take my leave. I have urgent matters that require my presence."

  As she was ready to exit the house, an idea popped into Olivia's head.

  " I have a proposition, Richard, Isabella, as you two helped me with urgent matters. I wish to pay you back with something other than money. I offer you a night at the castle, you will be fed and treated like royalty for one night. And before you try, this is not something you can refuse." She paused and looked at Richard. " I will make sure no one bothers you like the previous times." She then turned to Isabella. " I hope you have something a bit more 'stylish' in your wardrobe. I will see you in two days, come in the afternoon. "

  Before anyone could say anything, she was already out and walking towards her cab. A smile on her face. She got inside and sat down looking at the small house. Sitting inside, Felix watched his mistress lost in her thought.

  " Did you acquire what you needed milady? "

  " Yes Felix, I have everything, is everything ready on your side? "

  " I was always ready for this. This is going to be the performance of my life. "

  " After this my dear Felix, we both will have the object of our desire. Markok! Forward!

  " Yes milady Olivia . "

  As the horses started pulling the cab, Olivia was already daydreaming about Richard's body. And with the strongest resolved she thought to herself " He will be mine. "