Before the moment could stretch further, a maid approached and bowed. "Young master. Young mistress."
Kai's gaze sharpened. "Why didn't anyone come over this morning?"
The maid paled. "Ma'am instructed us not to disturb you until you both stepped out. My apologies, sir."
Kai nodded once, dismissing her. He then lowered himself onto the sofa, his movements steady, deliberate. He patted the cushion beside him. "Sit here, Hana."
Hana froze, hesitation tugging at her. Her eyes darted to Nari, who raised her brows in barely contained curiosity, before she slowly perched beside him—her pulse racing, unsure what he was about to do next.
Moments later, several maids glided into the room, their trays gleaming in the soft light. One carried a bowl of steaming water scattered with rose petals, another held a carved wooden box filled with glass bottles of fragrant oils, while others brought fresh towels and silk slippers. With practiced grace, they arranged everything neatly at the couple's feet.
Hana leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "What's going on?"
Kai's lips curved, his tone low and teasing. "Just watch."
Two maids knelt, slipping off their slippers with reverent care before guiding their feet into bowls of warm, petal-strewn water. Hana's eyes widened at the indulgence, while beside her, Nari's jaw practically hit the floor. Kai, however, sat back like a king on his throne—utterly unbothered, as though this were routine.
The maids washed and dried their feet with delicate precision. Then another stepped forward, bowing as she offered the basket of oils.
"Ma'am, which fragrance would you prefer?"
Hana blinked down at the bottles, lifting each one to her nose. Sandalwood & Myrrh… Rose & Oud… Jasmine & White Tea… Amber & Vanilla… Citrus & Neroli. Each one smelled exquisite, and her indecision only deepened.