Turn around.

Huh?

Turn around.

Rubica didnt know what this was about, but she turned around. After a momentary silence, Edgar grabbed the strap of her dress at her back and tried to undo it, which shocked her very much.

What, what are you doing?

Helping you get changed.

He sounded like it was only right, but it made her blush. How could he be so shameless?

I dont want your help. Just go and call my maids for me.

For what? Ill do it.

Really, she didnt know what to say. Even after their honeymoon, she still needed some time to get used to the change.

Even now, she blushed at the thought of how it had been. It just felt like a dream.

On the other hand, Edgar had already gotten used to it. He was taking physical affection very naturally.

You cant be serious. You cant help me undress and you cant help me dress.

Edgar wasnt being absurd when demanded to stay in the room. He was her husband, after all. So, she came with a different excuse.

During their honeymoon in the carriage, he had ended up ripping apart her dress after struggling to undress her, and she didnt even want to think about how they eventually had to call Ann to help her get dressed.

I can do it well now.

You can do it now?

Edgar nodded, quite seriously.

If there is something Im not good at the first time, I always excel the second time. I remember everything.

He tapped on his head. It didnt make any sense, but she bought it, although she didnt know why.

She knew it was impossible to beat him in a fight of words, so she gave up and nodded.

Fine. But know that if you fail again and force me to call the maids, Ill be very humiliated.

Ann, Rubicas lady-in-waiting, hadnt come with them, and Rubica had just met the maids at the mansion. She didnt want to be embarrassed in front of them. Edgar smiled as if telling her she had nothing to worry about.

His lips looked even redder under the dim light of the lamp. She held her breath and looked away, but her heart started to beat fast.

Well, here I go.

As he had assured, he started to undo the strap quite skillfully. He removed the overdress in no time and was triumphant, but then he despaired at seeing what was next.

How am I supposed to do this?

He thought undressing her couldnt be that hard, although dressing her might be. However, he just didnt know what to do to remove that armor-like piece of cloth that was on her chest.

He couldnt even see its exact shape as it had so many gems, embroidery, and huge ribbons, which made it even worse.

Cant you just take it off?

Then I will be poked by the pins on it, it will hurt a lot.

Why does this dress have to be so complicated?

To know its structure, Edgar put his hands on her waist and started to examine. His hands pulled the dress and his eyes looked at her eyes, which made her blush hard again.

Why couldnt she get used to his hands? Her heart was about to explode.

Maybe we should call the maids

No, we cant do that.

Now that Rubica was half undressed, she didnt want anyone else to see her like that.

Edgar just tried to help her get changed and failed, but what would the maids think if they saw the scene?

There are fixing pins on this side. You should remove them.

Aha.

Her explanation let him know about the dresss stomacher and started to remove the pins. As the pins were in corners where they wouldnt be seen, it took some time. He almost exclaimed in joy when he succeeded in removing the stomacher.

I think I should give our maids a pay raise.

Now the chemise, the skirt, and the corset were left. Edgar was confident he could undo the corsets straps as he had undone the overdresss strap quite easily.

He even whistled as he did it.

See? Im always good the second time.

But then, they heard the sound of the dress being ripped. He had concentrated too much on undoing the straps and pulled a little too powerfully, and the delicate laces couldnt handle his strength.

Haha, youre always good the second time?

Edgar bit his lips. He had never been so embarrassed.

Well, even you are not good at something.

I must practice.

Practice?

Edgar thought about using a mannequin, but then he canceled his plan at seeing Rubica ask back with a blushing face.

Really, a mannequin? Why would he use such a thing when he had such a cute and pretty wife?

There shouldnt be a thing Im not good at.

He said so as he removed the ripped corset. Rubicas skirt and panier fell to the floor in no time.

None of us can be perfect.

I can. I cant tolerate myself otherwise.

Now she was wearing only a thin chemise which was practically a nightdress, and Edgar could see her body through it.

Is it necessary for her to wear that nightdress?

He thought so, feeling hot, but Rubica asked innocently, How are you going to practice undressing? Using a hanger wont help, you know, it will be very different

I dont know, maybe I can have Carl wear a dress.

He made that joke only because he didnt like that she was being so innocent, but she found it quite funny and burst into laughter.

Her chemise moved as she laughed, showing what was underneath it. He gulped hard to stop his hands from doing something naughty.

Now, please close your eyes.

She asked to get changed into her nightdress, still laughing a little. But to her surprise, he just stared at her with burning eyes.

No, Im not doing that.

What?

She jumped up in surprise, despite the fact they had already seen each other thoroughly. She was so cute.

Edgar went a step closer and grabbed her chemise. The fabric was thin and soft, but it still didnt feel as pleasant as her skin.

As Ive started serving you, I should do it to the end.

He whispered like a devil. She knew the end wasnt getting changed into her nightdress.

But, but I must hear the rest of your explanation about the king and the queen for tomorrow

You can do it after were finished.

He came nearer, and she stepped backward to run away, only to reach the bed. She sat on it and said something that was either a plea or a protest.

We did it a lot yesterday.

Oh, says the person who fell asleep in the middle of it.

Thats, thats

He was now near enough for her to hear his breathing. She saw his strong arms and solid chest.

Yesterday, she had seen how sweat beaded those muscles were from the closest distance.

Thats because you did it too many times

Wasnt enough for me.

It seemed like her husbands stamina was beyond humans limitations. Oh, right. He wasnt a human.

No? You dont want it?

He didnt like that she was trying to talk her way out of this and asked directly. His shadowed face was hiding anxiety, but it delighted and excited her that she replied without noticing it.

I do.

And, she couldnt hear another word about the king and the queen until the sun came up the next morning.

***

Rubica got up a lot later than usual. She helped Carl to send Edgar to his office on the second floor and started to get ready downstairs. As she was scheduled to meet the queen at two oclock in the afternoon, she didnt have much time.

Will I be able to do it?

Youll do just fine.

Elise, who had come instead of Ann, encouraged Rubica, but she hadnt gotten Edgars advice after they both lost control.

Now all she knew was, Shut up when the queen frowns, and Run away if you see the king.

It was good that the audience was meant to console her after the series of tragic events she had recently been through. Even the queen had to be careful with a lady who had just miscarried her baby.

She wore a dress Ann had chosen for her and put only minimum hair accessories.

She wanted to wear the most splendid dress she had, but she couldnt because of the occasion.

Your Grace, it is my honor to meet you. The queen is waiting for you.

The moment she went out of the carriage, she was greeted by a noble lady in a calm dress.

She wasnt a maid but the queens closet lady-in-waiting. Rubica couldnt help but get nervous at being treated differently from the other guests.

I was told it is your first visit. Her Majesty has ordered me to take the time to show you around the palace.

She smiled kindly, which let Rubica relax at least a little. She had been told the queen was a woman of moods, but it seemed like she was quite kind and considerate.