The sound of small droplets gently dripping into the container of water echoed every time Lidien squeezed the cloth over himself.
Alva stood outside the carriage bedroom, watching Lidien's silhouette on the curtain as he wiped himself with the cloth.
"No need to stay here, Alva. I can do it myself."
Alva bowed, yet she didn't take a step away from her position. He had not explicitly commanded her to leave, and her duty... or perhaps a deeper, unspoken concern... rooted her to the spot.
Lidien could only sigh in resignation and hurried to finish his bath, scrubbing away the last of the foul stench that came out after his arduous meditation through the whole night.
As he finished everything, Lidien wiped himself dry and then dressed in the reserved new clothes...
A finely tailored suit of dark cloth and silver thread, dedicated for a Prince. As the fabric settled on his shoulders, he felt the weight of the role settling with it.
