Ruth's heart ached as Obed's words echoed in the room. They were harsh, cutting deep, and left her feeling utterly disheartened. The man she loved, the man she would do anything for, was becoming a slave to another girl that she can't even understand what could be so special about her, something that threatened to consume him. She understood that his happiness was paramount, but she couldn't simply stand by and watch him be swallowed whole. His words stung, but she knew she had to try, to fight for him, for her love.
Obed, consumed by his own inner turmoil, slammed the door shut and locking it behind him. He needed peace, he needed solitude, he needed to escape the weight of his own transformation. Ruth, however, couldn't bear to leave him alone. He was exhausted from the day's work, he needed a warm bath, a change of clothes, a comforting meal. She yearned to care for him, to ease his burdens, but his harsh words had erected a wall between them.
However she angrily wanted to walk away, but her conscience gnawed at her, urging her to try again. She couldn't just walk away, not when she felt so deeply for him. She swallowed her pride, her anger, and returned to the door. This time, she knocked gently, hoping to convey her peaceful intentions.
"Obed, please," she pleaded softly, her voice laced with regret, "I'm so sorry for the way I reacted. I shouldn't have said those things. Please open the door, let me in..."
A moment of silence stretched between them, a moment filled with tension and uncertainty. Then, as if guided by an unseen force, Obed rose from the bed and approached the door. He unlocked it. Ruth stepped inside, her heart filled with a flicker of hope. She never believed he would open the door so easily, maybe because he was really hungry and needed to eat.
Ruth's concern for Obed was evident in her voice. "You're completely exhausted, I know," she said gently, "You need to take a bath, change your clothes, and I'll make you something to eat. You need to rest properly."
Obed mumbled a tired "Alright, thanks," and slumped back onto the bed, seemingly oblivious to her words. He was so weary, so drained, that even the simple act of moving to the bathroom felt insurmountable.
"Obed!" Ruth exclaimed, her voice laced with a hint of frustration, "Did you hear me? I said you need to take a bath and change your clothes before I can bring you food."
"Yeah, I heard," he replied, his voice barely a whisper, "But I'm just too tired. I don't have the energy."
"Okay, then I'll help you," Ruth declared, her determination unwavering. She knew she was supposed to be in the kitchen, preparing his meal, but his state of exhaustion demanded her immediate attention. He needed a proper bath, a change of clothes, and a chance to unwind before she could even think about feeding him.
She couldn't leave him like this, not with the lingering scent of the day's work clinging to him. She knew he wouldn't allow her to see him naked, and she wouldn't push him. But she had to make sure he was clean and comfortable before she could focus on anything else.
It was a lot of work, a lot of responsibility, but Ruth wouldn't have it any other way. She loved him, and she would do anything to make him feel better. Tonight, her role was not just a lover, but a caretaker, a gentle hand guiding him through the exhaustion that threatened to consume him.
Ruth, determined to help Obed, reached out and gently pulled him to his feet.
"Come on, Obed," she said, her voice firm but kind, "I know you're tired, but you need to take a bath. It's not healthy to sleep dirty."
Obed grumbled, "I told you, I'm exhausted. I don't have the strength."
"I know you said that," Ruth replied, "But a warm bath will help you relax and sleep better. I'm going to make you a delicious meal, and then you can sleep soundly. Come on, let's go to the bathroom."
Obed, his body heavy with fatigue, leaned against her as she guided him towards the bathroom. He was so weak, so drained, it was as if he had been through a grueling battle. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of work he did that left him in such a state.
Reaching the bathroom, Ruth arranged everything he needed for his bath - towels, soap, and a warm, inviting bathwater. But Obed, even with everything set up, simply sat down beside the bathtub, unable to muster the energy to get in.
Ruth, her patience wearing thin, turned to see him slumped in defeat. She was exhausted herself, her own plans for the evening pushed aside by his overwhelming fatigue. "Obed, you're stressing me out," she said, her voice laced with exasperation, "I should be making your dinner, but you're wasting my time. Just get in the bath, please."
He nodded weakly, his body trembling with exhaustion. He tried to unbutton his shirt, but his fingers fumbled, his strength failing him.
Obed struggled with the single button, his fingers clumsy and weak. He tried again and again, but the button remained stubbornly closed. Seeing his struggle, Ruth stepped forward, her heart aching for him.
"Let me," she said softly, reaching out to help. She gently took his shirt, her fingers brushing against his skin. As she started to unbutton it, their eyes met. A flicker of something intense passed between them, and Ruth quickly looked away, remembering his aversion to being seen undressed.
But Obed, his gaze unwavering, used his hand to gently cup her face and pull her closer. His lips met hers in a kiss, a kiss that was both tender and demanding. Ruth was taken aback, her mind reeling. This wasn't the Obed she knew, the weary and exhausted man she had been caring for. This kiss held a fire, a passion that she had never witnessed before.
A wave of confusion washed over her. What had happened to him? Was there something he was hiding, something that had changed him so drastically? But as the kiss deepened, her confusion gave way to a thrilling sense of excitement. This was a chance, a chance to explore the depths of their connection, a chance to test the boundaries of their love. She had desired him for a long time, and this kiss, this unexpected surge of passion, felt like a gift, a chance to finally give in to her longing.
So she immediately grabbed his head closer and they started kissing deeply, with Obed helping to remove her clothes.
 
             • Princess Mara •
The clock chimed midnight, signaling the end of Ruth's duties for the day. As a servant, she worked only during daylight hours, tending to the needs of the princess. Once the sun dipped below the horizon, her work was done, and she was free to return to her own room and rest. That's why Ruth had all the chance to go see Obed. Servants didn't sleep in the castle, they were simply there to serve, and then they returned to their own homes.
As Mara settled into her room, a knock sounded at the door. She opened it to find her brother, Peter, standing there with their agent of crime Taylor at his side.
"Sister," Peter said, stepping into the room, "Taylor is ready now."
Ruth's gaze fell on Taylor, a mixture of apprehension and curiosity swirling within her. "Taylor," she said, her voice low and serious, "Are you sure about this? I can promise you, you'll never regret it. I will grant you everything you've asked for, everything you desire. But are you truly certain? Remember, this is a secret between us. No one else can ever know. And the consequences, if it is ever discovered, you will not enjoy the outcome and that's if you are alive. Do you understand?"
Taylor, his face pale and determined, nodded silently.
"Good! Tonight is the perfect time to carry out our plan. I will instruct all the guards to leave and attend to some work in the dungeon that I have already arranged for them. While they are occupied, you will have the opportunity to do what you need to do. After Dara is taken care of, come directly to me or report to my brother here. Don’t worry; if anyone points a finger at you, I will be there to support you. Nothing will happen to you or your family, do you understand?" she asked, and he nodded in agreement.
"Yes, my princess. I will deliver exactly as you have instructed. Mark today as the last day of Dara's existence on earth," Taylor responded, bowing slightly before he left, while Peter and Mara exchanged smirks.