I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 236: Life is weird

Malvoria moved carefully, supporting Elysia’s weight with practiced grace, as if her hands alone could shield her wife from every ache.

Her fingers slid beneath Elysia’s knees and back, and with a slow inhale, she lifted her. There was no dramatic show of strength—just an instinctive reverence in every motion.

The bathroom welcomed them with the faint aroma of lavender and steam already whispering from the heated water.

Malvoria had ordered the bath prepared in advance, scented with herbs Faelira had recommended for healing.

Soft candlelight glowed from crystal sconces, their light flickering against the obsidian tiles.

Malvoria stepped onto the warm stones, her boots clicking quietly, and gently lowered Elysia onto the cushioned bench beside the bath.

"I’ll take care of everything," she said, her voice low. "You just sit."

Elysia looked up, her eyes tired but glowing, and nodded.

Malvoria reached for the silk ties of Elysia’s robe with fingers both precise and tender. As the robe slipped away, revealing soft, pale skin that had carried their child for months, Malvoria paused—not out of hesitation, but reverence. She pressed a kiss to Elysia’s shoulder.

"You are divine," she whispered.

Elysia rolled her eyes but smiled. "I feel like I’ve been trampled by a herd of goats."

"Well, they were very regal goats," Malvoria said, grinning as she undressed too.

Once she helped Elysia into the water, the first thing Malvoria noticed was the faint crimson bloom that followed.

Faelira had explained this—lochia, the bleeding after birth. It wasn’t alarming. It was natural. Still, it made something tighten in her chest.

She cupped water into her palms and poured it gently over Elysia’s shoulders. "Let me know if it’s too hot."

"It’s perfect," Elysia murmured, sinking deeper with a sigh.

Malvoria sat behind her, drawing Elysia into her lap so that her back rested against her chest.

The water lapped softly around them, the heat easing tension from Elysia’s body. Malvoria reached for a sponge and began slowly running it along her arms, tracing each curve with reverence.

"You know," Elysia whispered, "I thought I’d feel more afraid."

Malvoria’s hand stilled for a moment, then resumed its path down Elysia’s arm. "Afraid of what?"

"Of holding her. Of being a mother. Of breaking something." A laugh caught in her throat. "But when I looked at her, I wasn’t afraid. I just wanted to keep her safe."

Malvoria kissed the side of her neck, breathing in her scent. "You already are. She’s calm when she hears your voice. She stilled in your arms like the world made sense again."

Elysia turned her head just enough to meet Malvoria’s eyes. "What about you? Are you afraid?"

Malvoria smiled faintly. "I’m terrified."

That made Elysia laugh, softly, into her collarbone.

"I’m terrified because I love her too much already. And you..." She kissed her again. "You are everything, Elysia. And now that I know how easily everything can be lost—I want to hold tighter."

Elysia leaned into her, resting her head against Malvoria’s shoulder. "I didn’t think we’d end up like this."

"Married? In love? With a little hellion of our own?"

"Exactly that."

Malvoria ran her fingers through the soft silver strands of Elysia’s hair. "When I met you, you tried to stab me."

"I tried very hard," Elysia said proudly.

"And I still kissed you that night."

"You’re a menace."

Malvoria began washing Elysia’s hair, massaging her scalp with careful, slow motions. "A menace who loves you."

Steam curled around them like a veil, the flickering light painting golden ripples on their skin. Elysia sighed in pleasure as the warm water worked into her sore muscles.

Malvoria never stopped touching her, always gentle, always grounding. Her hands slid down Elysia’s sides, cradling her stomach reverently.

"Do you think Kaelith will have fangs?" Elysia asked quietly.

"I hope not. At least not for a few years. I’d rather not have her biting people."

Elysia chuckled, and Malvoria felt the vibrations through her back. "She’s already strong. Too strong."

"She gets that from you."

Elysia turned to glance at her. "Really? Not from the Demon Queen of the Western Wastes?"

Malvoria pressed her forehead to Elysia’s temple. "No one’s ever made me kneel but you."

They stayed like that, soaking in silence, the rhythm of the bath and the hush of water surrounding them.

When Malvoria rinsed Elysia’s hair and began carefully drying her, she moved with the same devotion she would give a relic or spell tome—like this was sacred.

After helping Elysia into a fresh nightdress, she wrapped a thick blanket around her shoulders and guided her to the chaise near the hearth, setting her gently down before crouching to towel her feet dry.

"I can manage that part," Elysia said.

Malvoria looked up at her, eyes gleaming. "Let me pamper you. You gave me our daughter. You carried her. You birthed her. Let me serve you now."

Elysia’s throat bobbed, emotion tightening her face. "You already do. Every day."

Malvoria leaned in and kissed her knees.

They sat in front of the fire while Kaelith slept. Elysia’s eyelids drooped now and then, and Malvoria just held her, tucking loose strands of hair behind her ears.

"I don’t want to miss anything," Elysia whispered.

"You won’t," Malvoria promised. "We’ll face every sleepless night together. Every burst of flame. Every cry. Every smile."

"You’re too poetic for a demon queen."

Malvoria smirked. "I’m in love. What do you expect?"

"You to be terrible at changing diapers."

"Untrue. I am excellent. You saw me."

"Kaelith nearly set your hair on fire."

"Details."

They both laughed until Elysia winced slightly and placed a hand on her belly.

Malvoria instantly straightened. "Pain?"

"No. Just... my body remembering what it went through."

Malvoria pressed her hand over Elysia’s. "Then we’ll be kind to it. Together."

Elysia leaned into her chest again. "You’re too good to me."

"I’m making up for the time I kidnapped you."

"You didn’t kidnap me."

"You surrendered after seeing me threaten your father."

"Romantic."

Malvoria chuckled. "And now you’re the mother of my child."

Elysia tilted her head to kiss her chin. "Life is weird."

"It’s perfect," Malvoria whispered.