Julian let his mind drift, not thinking about anything in particular. The warm water, the pleasant aromas, the comfortable silence—it all combined to create a state of deep relaxation.
As he soaked in the warm water, he heard a sound from the main room beyond the bathing chamber. A door opening, then closing softly.
He was too lost in the warmth and comfort to focus on who it might be. Perhaps a servant returning to check on something. Perhaps one of his women coming to find him. It didn't seem urgent, so he didn't bother opening his eyes or calling out.
Then the footsteps grew closer, approaching the bathing chamber itself. They paused just outside the door. A moment of silence, as if whoever was there was gathering courage or making a decision.
The door then opened with a soft creak.
Julian's eyes opened slowly, his head turning toward the entrance. Through the steam rising from the bath, he saw a figure step into the room.
Seraphine.
