Lily took in a deep breath. She met Princess Tilda's gaze with unwavering determination. Her hands moved with confidence while Zayn translated her signs with a smile filled with pride.

"Actions speak louder than words," His voice carried her thoughts, "I will prove myself to you and everyone else what I can do."

Tilda's face lit up for a split second. There was a flicker of something, respect perhaps.

"A bold claim," She said with half a smile, "I look forward to seeing you prove me wrong."

Tilda rose from her seat with grace, "The festivities will begin in a few short days. Until then, I suggest you both take some time to rest and relax. Consider my quarters yours during your stay. My servants will attend to all of your needs."

As she walked towards the door, she stopped and turned back to add, "If either of you would like to accompany this old lady, feel free to do so. It gets too quiet sometimes."

With that, the Elder princess left the room. One of the servants under her command entered the room shortly after to escort them to their room.

The walk to their quarters was silent, tension hanging between them. Lily's mind raced with Princess Tilda's assessment of her. Zayn held the door for her as they entered their assigned room.

"Will there be anything else?" the servant asked, bowing slightly.

"No," Zayn said. "That will be all."

The servant bowed politely before leaving.

Once alone, Zayn began unbuttoning his shirt, revealing his sculpted muscles underneath.

"I'm going to shower," he murmured before turning towards the bathroom.

Lily reached out, catching his wrist.

When he turned to her with a questioning look, she signed, 'Can I join you?'

Surprise flickered across his face. "Join me?"

She nodded, a blush warming her cheeks as she signed, 'We'll get to bed quicker if we shower together. It saves time.'

A small smile played at his lips. "Practical as always."

The bathroom was opulent. Marble floors, gilded fixtures, and a shower large enough for four people. As Lily stripped down, she suddenly felt shy. She'd seen Zayn naked before, had felt every inch of him against her, inside her.

But perhaps it was because they were in a new environment that Lily felt that way. Zayn stepped into the shower first, turning the knobs until steam began to rise. He extended his hand to her, and she took it, stepping under the warm water with him.

The shower was spacious, but the showerhead only reached so far. They stood close together, their bodies almost touching as they took turns under the water. Lily's eyes couldn't help but trail down his muscular chest, over the scars that marked his skin like a map of his suffering.

"Your turn," he said, stepping aside to let her under the spray.

As she moved past him, her foot slipped on the soapy floor. A small gasp escaped her as she began to fall.

Zayn's reflexes were lightning-fast. His arm shot out, wrapping around her waist and pulling her against him. The momentum carried them both backward until her back pressed against the cool tile wall, his body pinning her there.

Water cascaded over them as they froze in that position, her breasts pressed against his chest, his face inches from hers. She could feel every hard plane of his body, every breath he took.

"Sorry," he whispered, his voice husky. His eyes darkened as they dropped to her lips.

Lily shook her head, her hands coming to rest on his shoulders. For a moment, she thought he might kiss her. His lips parted slightly, his grip on her waist tightening. But then he pulled back, clearing his throat.

"We should finish up," he said, reaching for the shampoo.

They finished washing in silence, stealing glances when they thought the other wasn't looking. When they stepped out, Zayn reached for a towel, only to discover there was only one.

"Well, this is convenient," he said, a wry smile crossing his lips. "Or inconvenient, depending on how you look at it."

Lily's shoulders shook with silent laughter. She signed, 'Share?'

"Ladies first," he said, wrapping the large towel around her shoulders.

She dried herself quickly, aware of his eyes on her. When she finished, she held the towel out to him, but he shook his head.

"Keep it," he said. "I'm fine."

Lily wrapped the towel around herself as Zayn, completely naked and seemingly unbothered by it, opened the bathroom door.

Elaine, the new maid who was reassigned to tend to Lily, stood in the bedroom, arms full of clothing. Her eyes widened at the sight of Zayn's nude form. She quickly averted her gaze, a deep blush spreading across her cheeks.

"I—I brought clothes for Luna Lily," she stammered, keeping her eyes fixed on the floor.

Zayn, unfazed, walked to one of their trunks and pulled out his own clothes.

Lily accepted the clothes from Elaine with a nod of thanks. The maid bowed and hurried from the room, still flustered.

As Zayn dressed, Lily examined the clothes she'd been given. They weren't hers. The style was similar to what she usually wore, but when she slipped into the dress, it hung oddly on her frame. It was too tight across the chest, too loose at the waist, and the hem was uneven.

She frowned, looking down at herself. Why would Elaine bring her clothes that didn't fit? She walked over to the chests that were brought in by the servants. She looked through them but found a similar issue.

The clothes she had seen Martha pack before were nowhere to be seen. Elaine returned shortly after.

Lily signed to her, 'These don't fit, where are my clothes?'

"These are new outfits for you, Luna Lily. They were commissioned specifically for this royal visit."

Lily's frown deepened. The clothes were beautiful but clearly not made for her body.

"Is something wrong?" Elaine asked, looking nervous.

Lily shook her head, not wanting to cause trouble. Elaine seemed relieved and quickly excused herself, leaving Lily standing before the full-length mirror, tugging at the ill-fitting garment.

She heard Zayn's footsteps behind her, felt his presence before he spoke.

"Why are you wearing something that doesn't fit you well?" he asked, his eyes meeting hers in the mirror's reflection.