The heavy wooden door to the King's personal chamber creaked open with a soft, respectful sound. Zarah stepped inside, her scarlet armband catching the faint glow of the luminescent crystals embedded in the walls. She immediately dropped into a deep, graceful bow, forehead nearly touching the cold stone floor.
"I hope you had a good sleep, my lord," she said, voice smooth and melodic even though she kept her head lowered. "Forgive me for my late arrival. I was attending to some urgent matters in the lower halls—supervising the kitchen staff, the laundry maids, and ensuring the night patrols were properly rotated. The castle never truly sleeps, even when its king does."
Antares lounged nonchalantly on the edge of his straw bed, one leg crossed over the other, long black hair spilling over his shoulders like a wild mane. He looked at her for a long moment, a gentle smile curving his lips. In his old life as Harry Waterson, no woman had ever bowed to him like this. The contrast still felt surreal.
"Don't worry about it," he replied, waving a hand casually. "It's not that big a deal. You can raise your head, Zarah."
She straightened slowly, dark eyes meeting his blood-red ones. The sincerity in his tone made something warm flicker across her usually composed features.
Antares sniffed at the sleeve of his long white tunic and wrinkled his nose. "I just wanted you to prepare a bath for me. I feel… sticky. And a little smelly, if I'm being honest." He lifted his arm again, confirming the faint musk of sweat and the lingering scent of the long coma he had just escaped. Even in this new, powerful body, old habits from his gamer days died hard—he hated feeling unclean.
"It will be done exactly as you demand, my lord," Zarah answered without hesitation.
"Good. And while you're at it, prepare a new set of clothes for me. Nothing too fancy or stuffy. Something comfortable—loose, breathable. Like the baggy stuff I used to wear back…" He caught himself and trailed off, remembering he wasn't supposed to speak openly about his previous world yet. "Just… comfortable."
Even as he spoke, memories of his favorite oversized hoodies and sweatpants from Earth flashed through his mind. Even in this world, I swear I'll bring you guys back to life again, he thought, clenching his fists briefly.
"Which reminds me," he added, standing up and stretching his arms overhead until his back popped pleasantly, "how long have I been asleep this time?"
"You have been asleep for a day and a half, my lord," Zarah replied calmly.
"Damn… that long?" Antares muttered under his breath. "I should really get an alarm clock or something."
Zarah tilted her head slightly, watching him talk to himself with quiet amusement, but she said nothing. She had learned long ago that her king sometimes spoke in riddles only he understood.
"Never mind," he said quickly. "I was just talking to myself."
Zarah bowed once more and left the chamber with swift, efficient steps. Antares watched her go, unable to tear his eyes away. The way her hips swayed beneath the simple maid outfit, the elegant line of her neck, the quiet confidence in every movement—she was breathtaking.
She's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in either of my lives, he thought. Top models, movie stars… none of them would hold a candle to her.
A few minutes later the door opened again. Zarah returned carrying a large wooden tray laden with unfamiliar jars, vials, and folded linens. Antares kept staring, unblinking, as she moved. Her head-maid attire did an excellent job of hiding the luscious, hourglass figure beneath, but he could still imagine the curves—the full breasts, the narrow waist, the perky rear that made his pulse quicken. He looked at her like a predator sizing up the most tempting prey he had ever encountered.
Zarah noticed the intensity in his gaze. Instead of shrinking away or feigning modesty, a small, pleased smile touched her glossy lips. She liked it. For years she had devoted her entire existence to this man—staying by his side even during the worst of his mana-pollution quarantine when everyone else feared contamination. Her loyalty had long since blossomed into something deeper, something warmer.
"I'll get the bath ready, Lord Antares," she said softly, then slipped through the doorway in the upper-right corner of the chamber that led to his private bathroom.
Left alone, Antares finally took a proper look around the room. It was larger than he had realized—spacious enough for a king, yet strangely sparse. Besides the wide straw bed and a single massive wooden wardrobe, there was almost no furniture. The stone floor felt icy under his bare feet as he walked over to the wardrobe and yanked it open.
Empty shelves stared back at him.
He almost cried from disappointment. "I should stop getting my hopes up," he muttered, slamming the doors shut. "King of the ants and the royal closet looks like a budget apartment."
"My lord, your bath is ready," Zarah called from inside the bathroom, her voice carrying a hint of invitation.
Antares crossed the room and pushed the door open.
The sight that greeted him nearly stopped his heart.
Steam curled lazily through the air, scented with fragrant oils and herbs. The bathroom was far more luxurious than the bedroom—smooth tiled floors, a large rectangular stone tub already filled with hot water, a full-length mirror on the far wall, and soft candlelight flickering from dozens of holders. But none of that compared to Zarah herself.
She had changed.
Gone was the modest maid outfit. In its place she wore a black corset-style bra with intricate lace-up detailing that pushed her generous breasts together and accentuated her cleavage. A matching black thong clung to her hips, highlighting the perfect, perky curve of her ass. Her long dark-brown hair had been released from its usual neat style and now fell in soft, seductive waves down her back. Her dark eyes smoldered with quiet desire, and her glossy lips curved into a knowing smile.
"Come in, my lord," she said, voice calm yet dripping with seduction.
Antares stood frozen in the doorway, blood roaring in his ears. He tried to regain composure, but his body moved on its own, stepping inside until he stood right in front of her. She was shorter than him—something he had always preferred—and the height difference made the moment feel even more intimate.
Without a word, Zarah reached up and gently lifted the white tunic over his head, exposing his bare, muscular torso. Her fingers brushed his skin lightly, sending sparks through him. She guided him toward the tub. Antares stepped in, the hot water enveloping him like a soothing embrace. He sank down until only his shoulders remained above the surface.
Zarah moved to the other side of the bathroom, preparing more scented oils, but Antares couldn't relax completely. His mind raced. I'm still a virgin, he realized with a mix of embarrassment and strange pride. Never tasted the forbidden fruit. Not because I didn't want to… I was just always afraid of women after everything that happened with my ex. The betrayal still lingered like a scar. Yet with Zarah it felt different. She had cared for him through years of coma and quarantine. His body—his new Antman instincts—recognized her presence as safe, comforting… desired.
"Alright, my lord. Please come nearer," Zarah said suddenly.
Antares startled and turned. She had stepped out of the shadowed corner, brushing a strand of hair from her left eye in a deliberately seductive motion.
"Beautiful…" The word slipped out before he could stop it.
"You flatter me, my lord," she replied, clearly pleased.
He turned away quickly, facing the wall again, cheeks burning. Zarah smiled softly at his bashful reaction and approached with a small vial of warm oil. But as she leaned over the tub, her bare foot slipped on the wet tile.
She gasped sharply, falling backward.
Strong arms caught her instantly. Antares had moved without thinking, pulling her against his naked chest. Their bodies pressed together—wet skin on wet skin, her breasts soft against his hard muscle. Steam rose around them. Candlelight danced across her face.
The tension Antares had been holding back finally snapped.
Without a word he tilted her chin upward. Their lips met in a deep, hungry kiss. Zarah melted into it instantly, her hands sliding up his chest to grip his shoulders. The kiss grew hotter, tongues dancing, breaths mingling. When they finally broke apart, both were panting.
"My lord…" Zarah whispered, voice thick with lust.
"I'm—" he started, but hushed her gently, eyes vulnerable now instead of intense. "Say my name," he murmured. "Not my title."
She hesitated, the word feeling almost forbidden on her tongue. Then, softly: "Antares…"
The sound sent a shiver through both of them. He brushed the hair from her forehead and kissed it tenderly. In one smooth motion he lifted her into a princess carry and stepped back into the tub with her still in his arms.
"I've wanted this… you… us… from the moment I laid eyes on you," he whispered, voice hoarse with need. He didn't fully understand the fire burning inside him, but he didn't fight it.
Zarah lay against his chest in the warm water, heart racing. "Antares… as much as I would love to spend the rest of the day here with you, I cannot ignore my duties as head maid and I—"
He silenced her with another deep kiss.
"Do you trust me?" he asked, eyes smoldering.
"Yes."
"Then don't worry."
A pair of shining red antennae slowly emerged from his head, vibrating with faint power. In the courtyard outside the royal tower, Levi and Eli were sparring fiercely, blades flashing, sweat flying. Their new Senior Knight strength made every clash explosive.
Suddenly both froze mid-swing as Antares' voice echoed directly inside their minds:
[BOTH OF YOU STOP RIGHT THIS INSTANT.]
They dropped to one knee instantly, hands over their hearts, heads bowed.
"We greet His Majesty," they answered in unison.
[Listen well because I'll make it quick. Zarah is unavailable at the moment. Take care of the palace in her absence. I hope I can count on you.]
It sounded like a request, but both twins knew it was an ironclad order.
"Yes, Your Highness. We will carry out your command," they replied.
[Good.]
The telepathic link severed. Levi and Eli stood, looked at each other, and broke into mischievous grins.
"Way to go, King Antares," Levi said, wiping away an imaginary tear.
"I always knew he had it in him," Eli chuckled.
Back in the steamy bath, Zarah stared at the glowing red antennae in wonder. Antares retracted them with a satisfied smirk and pulled her closer by the waist until their faces were inches apart.
"Why don't we continue where we left off?"
But Zarah gently pushed against his chest and stood up in front of him, water cascading down her body. She looked him straight in the eyes, passion burning brighter than the candles.
"I have taken care of you for as long as I can remember," she said, voice trembling with emotion. "I have devoted my entire life and strength to you. But I always hoped I could give you more… give you everything."
She reached behind her back. "Is it because I'm your king? Because my title makes me superior to you?" Antares asked quietly. The scar from his ex-girlfriend's betrayal still ached. He refused to repeat the past. This had to be real consent.
"No," Zarah whispered, eyes locked on his. "I want to be with you because you are you, Antares… and something burns brighter in me when I'm with you."
She unclasped the black corset bra and let it fall away, revealing her full, generous breasts. The cool air made her nipples harden instantly. Then she hooked her thumbs into the thong and slid it down her smooth legs, stepping out of it. She stood completely naked before him, every curve illuminated by candlelight—lush breasts, narrow waist, flared hips, and the glistening invitation between her thighs.
Antares was in a trance. Never in either life had he imagined a woman like this would offer herself so completely.
"Tonight," Zarah breathed, stepping back into the tub and straddling his lap, "I give you my body and my soul… to you and only you, Antares."
He pulled her into a fierce embrace. Their lips crashed together again, hands exploring, water splashing. What followed was hours of passionate, unhurried lovemaking. Antares, experiencing his first time, moved with a mix of tenderness and raw hunger. Zarah guided him gently at first, then matched his fire with equal desire—moans echoing off the tiled walls, bodies moving in perfect rhythm, the scent of oils and steam thickening the air.
They lost themselves in each other completely. Soft whispers of love and pleasure filled the bathroom long into the night. By the time exhaustion finally claimed them, Zarah lay curled against his chest in the cooling water, both breathing softly, skin flushed and marked with the evidence of their union.
Truly a blissful night.
Antares stroked her hair, eyes half-lidded with satisfaction and something deeper—something that felt like the beginning of a real bond.
For the first time in two lifetimes, he didn't feel alone.