For Odelliana, shared living quarters were a norm from her mercenary days. Bare skin was a common sight, a necessity for tending to wounds or bathing in remote locations. Gender rarely warranted special treatment in those situations.
The only time nudity had ever embarrassed her was with Jocelyn. Intimacy with someone she loved felt different. Her heart hammered in her chest, a warm flush spreading through her body. It was then she realized the fiery heat was excitement.
However, the memory was bittersweet. Looking back, their first night together wasn’t particularly magical. While giving herself to him had been undeniably happy, it lacked the dizzying thrill of true passion. Perhaps their physical compatibility wasn’t ideal. Back then, the simple act of having his affection was enough.
“You’re so cute,” Odelliana teased. “Were you worried all day because you saw my bare body?”
Matthias didn’t reply.
“Why on earth would I be bothered? It’s not like this unattractive body is anything special.”
She peeked through her sheer nightgown, a flicker of self-evaluation crossing her features. Compared to her previous life, her current frame was certainly an improvement. Though thin from past neglect, her basic features held promise. With weight gain, she could develop a more alluring figure. However, in her current state, surrounded by voluptuous women, she doubted someone as stoic as Matthias would be drawn to her.
“Don’t worry about it,” Odelliana reassured with a casual shrug. “It doesn’t bother me at all.”
Matthias’s expression darkened. “I’ve felt this for a while, but you’re simply too defenseless.”
“Me?” Odelliana raised an eyebrow.
“Normally, people don’t brush off such things so easily,” he pointed out.
Odelliana bit back a laugh at his unexpected grumpiness. “So, you want me to be embarrassed in front of a child like you? Should I scold you for seeing a bit of skin?”
Matthias fell silent, speechless.
“Nothing happened,” Odelliana concluded, taking a nonchalant bite of her freshly baked bread.
Watching her chew with a hint of annoyance, Matthias sighed and pushed a cup of warmed milk towards her.
“Are you upset I treat you like a kid? You can’t help it, you are young.” Odelliana’s voice held a playful lilt.
“Not for much longer,” Matthias muttered, a hint of defiance in his tone.
“Oh really? Four whole years until you’re considered an adult.” She raised an eyebrow.
“”And you act like you’re ancient already,” he retorted. “We’re not that far apart in age, are we?”
“Five years is a big difference, sweetie.” Odelliana couldn’t resist the playful jab.
He scowled. “Please don’t call me that.”
Odelliana, struggling to contain her laughter, decided to let it go. Focusing on her meal, a glance at his still-sulky face proved too much. A burst of laughter escaped her lips, met with a glare that held a surprising spark of rebellion. With a haughty air, he tilted his chin upwards.
“Don’t underestimate me, Master. I’m the one holding back here.”
“Holding back? From what?” A shadow crossed his face as his long fingers swiftly bridged the gap between them. His touch, smooth and leisurely, grazed the thin shoulder strap. Odelliana snorted, her gaze dropping to his beautiful fingers.
“Ah, yes,” she drawled. “The natural curiosity a young man has for a woman’s body.”
“You’ve been admirably restrained,” she continued, voice laced with amusement. “You could easily overpower me, couldn’t you?”
Odelliana set down her cutlery with a clatter and wiped her mouth with a napkin. In one swift motion, she grabbed his hand, still hovering near her shoulder, and held it firmly.
“But that’s not who you are,” she stated.
“What if…” His voice trailed off, a flicker of something unreadable darkening his eyes. “What if I want you so badly that I can’t control myself?”
“There’s no need for hypotheticals,” she replied with a soft laugh. While the thought of Matthias desiring her was absurd, she knew the only answer in such an impossible situation.
“If you still feel the same after becoming an adult,” Odelliana began, her voice a husky whisper, “I’ll give my body to you.”
Speechless, Matthias could only stare at her.
“If you offer me the world, how could I not give you my body?” she continued, her gaze unwavering.
A frown creased his brow. “Do you think I’m merely interested in your shell? If I decide to have you, I would settle for nothing less than your core.”
“That much is out of my control,” she countered, a playful glint in her eyes. “It depends entirely on your efforts.”
Odelliana’s other hand reached out, gently cupping his chin. The touch, light as a feather, sent a shiver down his spine.
“Then try to make me love you,” she murmured, her voice laced with challenge. “I wouldn’t reject such a sincere effort.”
“Ah.” A slow, genuine smile curved Matthias’s lips. He leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss to the back of her hand. His eyes, however, held a spark of challenge.
“You’ll have to take responsibility for those words.”
