When you have the Flames of Helios sizzling inside your body, it comes with a lot of perks.
Like instant hot water.
With a mere flick off my wrist, the water in my golden bathtub began to boil, steam billowing up in white clouds.
Any ordinary human would have been, well let's say suffered a lot the moment they dipped a single toe in but for me it was just comfortably warm.
I took my time enjoying the bath, soaking for half an hour, letting the heat seep into my new muscles and soothe the last of the aching of the awakening.
Eventually, I stepped out water slithering down my body. I grabbed a towel rubbing my hair vigorously was I walked back into the bedroom.
I scanned the room for my clothes Mother should have brought but instead my eyes fell on the bed.
There was laying Hyperion inside its sublime golden scabbard.
The sword of Legends said to have been forged by Helios himself for Apollina.
I smiled looking at it.
My Father's sword and now mine.
"Hm?"
Feeling a presence, I turned around and saw someone standing near the doorway.
It was a maid.
It was Alice.
My maid.
A cute and pretty girl of my age within shoulder length blond hair and wide brown that seemed too innocent for a life inside a castle. She had served me since I was ten.
Right now, she was however frozen on the spot.
In her hands she latched a pile of clothes, my father's clothes undoubtedly given by my Mother.
But Alice wasn't moving, her eyes locked onto my naked body as, wide as saucers.
Her mouth partially open, yes she was indeed paralyzed by the sight of a naked man.
And then slowly her entire face turned a deep shade of red.
She opened her mouth quickly blurting out.
"I…I! I am! Ha…God…No…oh no…I just APOLOGIZE!!"
I smirked wrapping the towel leisurely around my waist covering my member she had definitely seen and walked toward her.
Alice thrusted immediately the clothes forward her hands shaking.
When I stopped in front of her, the heat coming off her blushing face was almost visible. She squeezed her eyes shut, turning her head away.
I took my white breeches from the pile and then let the towel drop from my waist.
She didn't see it happen but she knew it as she shivered violently, her face reddening a crimson shade now.
Now this girl was really cute.
I pulled on my breeches, then took my white royal tunic. As i buttoned it up, I kept my eyes on her. She had lowered her hands now that they were empty, clasping the tightly in front of her apron.
"Your Majesty…umm, do you need—"
"Why won't you look at me, Alice?" I asked her.
She flinched.
Then hesitantly she turned her gaze back to me, the blush hadn't faded a bit. When her eyes met mine, she opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water before looking down at her shoes.
"You—have changed a lot, Your Majesty…I have been surprised," she stuttered out.
"I awakened the Bloodline of Helios, change is part of the package, Alice," I said and walked over to the dressing area and grab day boots and saw down to pull them on.
"You look wonderful, Your Majesty…" Alice mumbled quietly.
I smiled as I stood up.
Walking back to my bed, I picked Hyperion and turned toward her abruptly.
Alice averted her gaze as I stood close to her.
I reached out and cupped her chin gently tilting her face up until she had no choices but to stare at my eyes.
Her beautiful brown eyes shimmering and glowed wet.
"Y—Your Majesty…"
I leaned it, closing the distance until I could feel her breath on my lips and softly pressed my lips against hers.
She shivered against me, a small cute sound escaping her throat.
"Thank you for everything you have done for me until now, Alice," I whispered against her lips.
Pulling back I let my finger linger on her chin for a second longer.
Alice's eyes were now enthralled, absorbed in mine.
My smile widened slightly before I let go of her chin and walked past her.
I walked out my bedroom and then out my quarters.
Alice stood frozen for another few seconds before she scrambled to follow, falling into step behind me, keeping her burning face lowered as we strode through the corridors.
I couldn't help but tease this girl a little.
I was very fond of her.
Even when I was fat and miserable, she had been kind, caring and not hypocrite.
And God I hated hypocrites.
Alice had tried to reassure me when the nobles mocked me.
I had been too pathetic to even be capable of answering them back then but that changes today.
"Your Majesty…"
Alice's small voice echoed in my thoughts.
"What is it Alice? Perhaps you wish more than a kiss?" I glanced over my shoulder, smiling at her. "I am afraid you will have to be patient for more, I need to put some old men back into the places they belong, which is usually beneath my boot."
"It's not that!" Alice stuttered out in fluster before she slapped her hand over her mouth. "I—I apologize!"
"Then what did you want to say?" I asked her.
She lowered her hands twisting the fabric of her skirt. "About the King…I am very sorry…" She bit her lip, looking down.
"No need, Alice," I said, my voice hardening slightly as I faced forward. "My father fought for his beliefs; and he died peacefully at least? Which is more than I can promise for the ones behind his death. They won't have the luxury of a peaceful end."
"W—What?" Alice choked out shocked at my implications.
I didn't reply to her.
To the rest of the world, King Marconius, had died of natural causes but unfortunately for these men who tried to make it believe it and very fortunately for me, I had the cheat sheet, I know the plot and the characters.
I couldn't care less about following the gamestory to be honest. I wasn't here to roleplay a hero but I was definitely going to weaponize every scrap of knowledge I had for my own agenda.