The Forbidden Entity (BWWM)

12

Axel insisted on fixating his needy eyes on my figure. He tried to busy himself by cleaning his shoes, but his efforts to distract himself were useless. He had four naked ladies of varying busts and womanly sizes in front of him, and he couldn't deny the urge to look.

I wasn't necessarily bothered by his stare or intimidated by his lack of shame, but up until now, we had somehow escaped this awkward exchange. Even when Axel and I accompany Karina to the bathhouse, Axel usually waits outside while Karina and I bathe. Thus, today was his first time seeing me naked, and I could only imagine the thoughts that entertained his mind, especially since Axel prefers to tease me these days.

"How long does it take to scrub your uniform?" He asked me.

"I don't know. I guess until I feel it's clean."

"What will you use to bathe?"

Lucy answered before I could speak up. "Our hands, duh," she snorted.

"That doesn't sound effective."

"Well, what else would we use?"

Axel shook his head. "Never mind."

"Have you never worked a lower position?" Emma inquired.

"No."

"Then how did you meet the princess?"

Axel paused as he dropped his boot onto the pebbles. He then sucked in a long breath before smiling uncomfortably. Even I had yet to ask how he came to know Karina, but by the sullen look on his face, I'm glad I never did.

"It's a painful story: a tragic tale that is too overwhelming to discuss. However, I will say that the princess saved my life many years ago, and I have worshiped her since," he stated. "But anyway, does anyone need help cleaning their uniform?"

Axel's friendly offer caused Emma and Lucy to rush over to him. I thought Everly would do the same, but she remained by my side, rolling her eyes. "They are insufferable," she groaned.

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

The sun began to set extremely fast, so we dressed in our night attires, grabbed our clean uniforms, and hurried to leave the stream.

"Are you all right?" I asked Emma as she hovered over the water, looking for something.

"I lost my shoe. It slipped from my fingers and fell into the water. Can you help me find it?"

"Yes, of course. Did you see which way it went?" I began to search.

"No, I didn't realize it was gone until now."

"Okay, I'll—"

"Sayora?" Axel called out to me. "The sky will pour soon. What's the delay?"

"Emma dropped her shoe in the water. I'll only be a moment."

Axel offered to help, but Emma objected, saying it would be unnecessary to slow anyone down with the moon nearing and our curfew creeping closer. I understood her words but thought more assistance would allow us to locate her shoe faster.

"Can you see if Lucy and Everly are heading in the right direction?" She said as Axel maneuvered to us.

"Are you sure?" He turned his attention to me.

"Yes, just give us a moment. The water isn't too deep, so it shouldn't take long to find Emma's shoe."

"If you are not by my side soon enough, I will come looking."

"Of course, Axel. I wouldn't expect anything less," I smiled, handing him my uniform and urging him off. Axel tentatively left and disappeared into the thick forest, continuing after Everly and Lucy, who were unaware of our minor inconvenience.