Draugr eyed her warily, his ears flicking back and forth cautiously, as if he was sizing her up.
He didn’t seem vicious, only afraid.
They led their horses out of the stable, and after Lial helped Fiza clamber up, Elizabeth clicked her tongue and nudged her heels into Icefire’s sides.
As they made their way through the sloped woodland trails, Fiza gradually relaxed her death grip on the reins, and stopped fidgeting in the saddle. They lapsed into comfortable silence and took the trail at a leisurely pace.
As they came to a break in the trees, Elizabeth straightened in the saddle, drinking in the view of the forest covered mountains in the distance. The wind was cool on her face, pulling strands of her hair loose from her braid.
“It's beautiful,” she murmured, more to herself than to Fiza.
Her maid nodded cautiously. “The Master's lands are vast.”
When they returned to the stables and dismounted, Fiza looked only too happy to be on solid ground again. Elizabeth hummed contentedly and insisted on brushing down both their horses herself, finding peace in the familiar task.
As they prepared to leave the stable, she looked back at Draugr. The stallion reared, his eyes flying wide.
Elizabeth hesitated, heart twisting at the thought of what would happen to him if he was never able to bear a rider.
“My lady?” Fiza called, interrupting Elizabeth’s thoughts.
“Coming!” Elizabeth said quickly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and following Fiza back to the castle.
Her limbs were pleasantly sore as she climbed the steps to her chamber, and she felt sweaty and flushed from the exercise.
Inside her chamber, Elizabeth shed her muddy riding boots and she shimmied out of her riding habit, streaks of dust and horsehair now clinging to the fabric.
“I’ll draw your bath, my lady,” Fiza said quickly, striding towards the bathing chamber.
The demon turned the taps on and began arranging towels and soaps with care.
“Thank you, Fiza,” Elizabeth said, touching the female’s arm. “But I can manage from here. Surely you’d like to bathe as well.”
Fiza’s eyes widened, startled at the suggestion. “It’s my duty to attend you, my lady.”
“Thank you for all your help.” Elizabeth gestured to the door. “But please, take some time for yourself. We’re both covered in dust and grime from the ride.”
Uncertainty flickered across the maid’s face. “The Master would not approve—"
“The Master isn't here,” Elizabeth said, stepping into the warm water, to make her point clear. “I'll see you in an hour.”
Fiza fretted, wringing her hands. “You’re certain you’ll be alright?”
Elizabeth sank deeper into the water, closing her eyes. “Positive. Thank you for coming with me today.”
Fiza hesitated, her fingers lingering on the door handle as if waiting for her to change her mind.
“Go,” Elizabeth insisted. “I’ll be fine. Honest.”
With a final curtsey, Fiza departed.
Elizabeth lounged in the bath for a while, letting the warm water soothe her muscles. She allowed herself to drift, thinking of nothing but the pleasant sensation of being clean after a day spent outdoors.
After scrubbing herself clean, she emerged and towelled herself dry. She had hoped to read for a while before dressing for dinner, but to her surprise, she found Fiza already waiting by her vanity. There were fresh clothes laid out for her on her bed, and a set of cosmetics and hair styling tools laid out on the vanity.
“That was hardly an hour,” Elizabeth said, smiling.
Elizabeth donned a pale blue evening gown and Fiza helped lace up the matching blue corset. She sat down at the vanity, and Fiza styled her hair as it dried and applied some cosmetics to her face.
