The room the Litharions were given was far more upscale than what would suit Irene or her family. However, the knight knew her mother was going to thoroughly enjoy being spoiled in a place like that.

While Arthur had never forbidden the use of maids or nannies, Rochelle was stubborn in matters regarding the home and when she found out just how much Kara, her mother in law, did for her family, Rochelle dedicated her time to becoming more hands on. While she did eventually get to a place where she welcomed help into her home, she was insistent on proving herself the best at what she could do while her husband went around the kingdom, proving himself the best in his own field.

Now that the kids were older, Rochelle indulged a bit more and appreciated spoiling more than she did when Irene was young. It was interesting to watch her own mother change, reminding Irene that even as she got older, it didn't mean her life was already decided for her.

However, the fineries were soon lost on Irene as she requested the maids leave her so she could bathe herself in a deep tub of warm water. She opted for a soap less scented of the options she was offered and scrubbed herself head to toe before deciding to lay there and relax for a few moments.

As much as she wanted to be relieved the traveling was over with and she was now a guest of the Earl's family rather than acting as a knight, all she could think about was how miserable it was going to be to have to watch the Commander possibly fawn over other women all night. They were women she could undoubtedly not compare to as Irene's green eyes looked down and traced over a body flawed with battle scars and freckles.

Who would want something like that when he could have the likes of someone as pure and blemish free as the Princess?

She knew she was an idiot for even allowing her thoughts to venture off in that direction and Irene submerged herself fully underneath the water, hoping the water washed away her stupidity. She already knew from last time that a break from the Commander wasn't enough to erase her feelings for them, but her ultimate goal was control. As long as she could control herself around him, it would be better for her in the long run.

When Irene left the bathroom, a robe wrapped around her body while her hair slowly dried, she was shocked to see her mother already in the main area of the room.

"Mother?" Irene called in disbelief. "You're already here? I thought you and father weren't due to arrive until this evening."

While the hours were drawing later, it wasn't even dark outside yet and it got dark outside in that area rather early.

The girl still rushed forward and embraced her mother. Despite how much Rochelle wished her daughter had taken to a different path, she was still her mother and would offer her affection when it was requested.

Considering Irene had been feeling somewhat sensitive, she could use a hug.

"Actually, I arrived over a week ago," Rochelle admitted. "A friend's daughter nearby had her first child. It was a difficult labor and she could use all the help she could get while she recovers."

Immediately, they were in uncharted territory and Irene resisted making a face. Perhaps it was her own assumption, but she could swear her mother held a longing tone as if she wished she was a grandmother already.

"I wish them well," was all Irene responded with. "It can't be easy."

"Yes, well…" Rochelle trailed off with a light sigh. "I look forward to a few days here. I missed babies crying at night far less than I realized."

At that, Rochelle cracked a small smile at her daughter which Irene readily returned.

"How has winter been?" Irene further wondered. "We ran into a bit of trouble just outside the lands."

"Same story as always," Rochelle admitted. "Staying warm and only lighting fires in a few rooms to conserve firewood, but it does get a bit boring. I brought you a blanket I knitted together with all of my free time. What sort of trouble did our lands offer?"

"Monsters," Irene admitted, "but I won't go into too much detail or I'll disgust you."

"I do appreciate that," Rochelle admitted. "Now, will you fetch me another maid for some fresh water? I would like to take a bath before I'm meant to go to tea in town with some other ladies. I would ask if you'd like to join us but…"

"I would have nothing in common with anyone there," Irene quickly reminded her. "I understand."

Before retrieving more help to get a fresh bath for her mother, Irene decided she would rest a bit before the day could continue. No one was summoning her and she didn't have duties to attend to for once. It was the beginning of what she would be doing while visiting her family.

Eventually, Irene's mother did leave after getting into a nice dress and allowing the maids to help her with every step of getting ready, stating that she felt like a Princess with such hands-on care. Irene bid her a goodbye before returning to where she lay on one of the beds with a random book she found on a shelf. It meant nothing to her, but it was something to do to pass time.

When the shadows grew long was when the maids returned and it seemed Irene wouldn't get out of a little bit of help while getting ready. Not only that, but the maids arrived with a few new articles of clothing that Rochelle had brought her daughter.

Dread welled up in Irene's chest as a few dresses were laid out on the bed for her to look at. It was amazing to her that her mother still tried so desperately to make her into something she wasn't. To Irene, it was far more than merely wearing a dress but more akin to placing shackles over her and making her unable to fight on her own. These dresses weren't made with movement or efficiency in mind.